Hardwick Hall hotel reveals plans for £13m spa and bedroom wing

Hardwick Hall hotel in County Durham has revealed plans for a £13m luxury spa and an additional 35 bedrooms, which it hopes will get the go-ahead from councillors.

The 53-bedroom property is awaiting planning permission for the scheme, which if successful will see work begin late 2023 and will rejuvenate buildings that have been derelict for more than 60 years.

The spa development will include a 25m swimming pool, gym, aerobics studio, bath house, thermal suite, a swim in/swim out pool and spa garden. It will also have 13 treatment rooms, relaxation areas, changing facilities and a restaurant with private dining options.

The application included a proposal for an additional 35 bedrooms which will be built on two storeys in the style of a coach house around a courtyard, which will also house the main spa pool. Of these, 33 would be premier rooms, with Juliet balconies on the upper level and private garden space for the ground floor along with two large suites.

John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates, said: "The proposed development supports Visit County Durham ambition to increase the visitor economy while also adding to more beds for visitors to the county.

"It will be a flagship development for the area which will absolutely create more awareness and drive more visitors which is positive not just for the hotel but for the county as a whole.

"We look forward to Durham County Council giving it the green light so we can get started on bringing something really exceptional to the area."