Hotel’s 2012 spa expansion could create 20 new jobs

The award-winning hotel marked its new development’s “watertight” milestone with a topping out ceremony including build partners, Nelson-based Barnfield Construction.

Award-winning Barnfield has led the build since March, while Blackburn architects Campbell Driver have worked on the project in consultation with English Heritage.

The hotel owners expect work to be complete by summer and plan an official opening for the facility.

Stanley House has brought in advisers from Howard Spa Consulting, responsible for three of Harpers & Queen’s World’s 100 best spas and which serves hotels including London’s Dorchester, Coral Reef Club Barbados and Armani spas across the globe.

Trevillion Interiors, specialists in design and contract furnishing for the hotel and leisure sectors, has also been appointed. Its portfolio includes Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford and Beach Plaza Bahrain.

The hotel’s directors say the investment will create a hotel like no other in the area. Philip Wharton, Stanley House general manager, said: “We want to create an escape location for our guests, working with the best contractors on every aspect of the build.

“Our advisers have worked with the finest hotels and spas in the world, so there is no doubt Stanley House’s offering will be unrivalled in the region.”

Once complete, the state-of-the-art spa will incorporate the latest treatment facilities including five treatment rooms, a double treatment room with razul, salt and aroma steam rooms, Finish sauna, hydrotherapy pool, relaxation lounge, experience showers and an ice fountain. The facility will also feature a new gym and a Pilates studio.

Housed in the new building adjacent to the 17th Century manor house, the partially-glazed spa and new bedrooms will offer panoramic views of the Ribble Valley countryside.

Neil Howard, Howard Spa Consulting, said: “A major point of difference is its rural location by constantly orientating the guest to the views of the rolling hills, trees and peaceful rural isolation wherever guests sit, lie or walk through the spa.

“Guests will spend a day or half a day and still want for more.”

James Webber, contracts manager at Barnfield Construction, said: “We’ve worked closely with Stanley House to ensure the new building complements the existing hotel, while bringing all the sophistications of a 21st Century construction. It will add a further touch of finesse to this rural location.”

The Lancashire hotel – located between Preston and Blackburn - has revealed a further investment by extending its Mr Fred’s Bar and Lounge. The move follows a surge in sales at the popular eatery and will see capacity double from 28 to 58 covers, with work completed by spring.

Philip added: “All aspects of our business are growing, from weddings, meetings and events, to both of our restaurants. Once the development is complete we expect to create 20 full-time jobs, boosting the local economy at a time when confidence is still low.”