Multi-million pound spa for The Lowry

Rocco Forte’s The Lowry Hotel in Manchester, UK, is currently in final negotiations before work begins on a multi-million pound addition to its facilities, to include a new, 22,500sq ft (2,090sq m) spa.

The £7.8m (11.5m euro, US$15.8m) wellness complex will include a swimming pool and be located on land adjacent to the hotel, although further details are yet to be confirmed regarding the operator or spa product brands used.

If negotiations with the developers are successful, the new spa will open in 2009, the existing facility in the hotel will close and be redeveloped, with options including using the space for additional bedrooms and suites.

The Lowry – which first opened in 2001 – recently welcomed a new general manager, Jason Harding, who joined from the St David’s Hotel and Spa in Cardiff, UK.

Harding said: “We’re planning exciting things for Manchester which are aimed at enhancing our products and services for all markets. This development will help boost our offer and is a reflection of our huge vote of confidence in the city.”

Rocco Forte Hotels was established in 1996 to create a collection of luxury hotels in Europe. The collection currently includes the Hotel Savoy in Florence, Italy, and the Hotel Astoria in St Petersburg, Russia.