A new £25 million luxury wellness and leisure center, the Aura Wellness Club, is set to open next month in Northgate's Riverside Development. The large-scale project has created 150 new full-time and part-time jobs and aims to provide extensive health and fitness facilities for families and individuals in the region.
The official opening is scheduled for October 15, with the club already reporting strong initial interest. The facility is the largest of its kind in the county, representing a significant private investment in the area's local economy and community well-being.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: The new Aura Wellness Club is a £25 million development located in Northgate.
- Job Creation: The facility has generated 150 new jobs, spanning roles in fitness, hospitality, and management.
- Extensive Facilities: The club includes multiple swimming pools, a 20,000 sq ft gym, a luxury spa, tennis courts, and family-oriented amenities.
- Economic Impact: The project is seen as a key component of the Riverside Development, boosting the local economy and service offerings.
A Significant Investment in Community Health
The Aura Wellness Club represents one of the largest private investments in Northgate's leisure sector in over a decade. The £25 million project was designed to offer a comprehensive approach to health, combining fitness, relaxation, and social spaces under one roof.
According to Aura Group, the parent company, the goal was to create a destination that caters to all age groups and fitness levels. The development is strategically located within the new Riverside Development, an area undergoing significant regeneration to attract new residents and businesses.
"Our vision for Northgate was to build more than just a gym; it's a community hub for wellness," said Julia Evans, CEO of Aura Group. "We believe that access to high-quality facilities for physical and mental health is essential, and this £25 million investment underscores our commitment to that principle."
The Riverside Development Project
The Aura Wellness Club is an anchor tenant in the broader Riverside Development, a multi-phase project aimed at revitalizing Northgate's waterfront. The development also includes plans for new housing, retail spaces, and public parks, with the goal of creating a vibrant mixed-use district.
An Extensive Range of Facilities
The new club boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to cater to a diverse membership base. The facilities are spread across a large, modern complex with distinct zones for different activities.
Aquatic and Fitness Zones
The centerpiece of the aquatic area is a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and lessons. Adjacent to it is a warmer family leisure pool with features for children. An outdoor heated pool allows for year-round swimming.
For relaxation, the club includes a dedicated hydrotherapy pool. The fitness facilities are anchored by a 20,000-square-foot gymnasium equipped with the latest cardio and strength-training machines. Additionally, there are four studios for group exercise, which will host over 100 classes per week, including yoga, pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
By the Numbers
- Total Investment: £25 million
- Gym Size: 20,000 sq ft
- New Jobs: 150
- Pools: 4 (Indoor, Outdoor, Family, Hydrotherapy)
- Tennis Courts: 6 (4 indoor, 2 outdoor)
- Padel Courts: 3
Spa and Relaxation Areas
A significant portion of the club is dedicated to wellness and recovery. The Aura Spa includes a variety of thermal experiences, such as a Finnish sauna, a salt steam room, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds. There are also several private rooms for professional spa treatments like massages and facials.
Family and Social Amenities
The club is designed to be family-friendly. A dedicated kids' club will offer supervised activities for children, allowing parents to use the facilities. For sports enthusiasts, the club features six tennis courts and three padel courts, a rapidly growing racket sport.
To complement the active facilities, the center includes a restaurant and bar with both indoor and outdoor terrace seating. A modern business lounge with co-working spaces is also available for members, reflecting the growing trend of flexible work arrangements.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The creation of 150 new jobs is a major benefit for the Northgate community. These positions cover a wide range of roles, including fitness instructors, spa therapists, hospitality staff, maintenance crews, and administrative personnel. Recruitment has focused on hiring from the local area where possible.
The club is expected to attract thousands of members, which will increase foot traffic in the Riverside Development and support other local businesses. The construction phase also provided employment for numerous local contractors and suppliers over the past two years.
"This is a landmark development for Northgate," commented Councillor Mark Peterson, head of the Northgate Economic Development Committee. "The investment from Aura Group not only provides a world-class facility for our residents but also creates valuable jobs and stimulates our local economy. It's a vote of confidence in our town's future."
Community Reception and Membership
Public reaction to the new club has been largely positive. Aura Group launched a pre-opening membership drive three months ago and reports that initial demand has exceeded expectations. The first wave of "Founder Member" packages sold out within weeks.
The club's management has stated its intention to partner with local schools and community groups to promote health and wellness initiatives. Plans are underway to offer specialized programs for seniors and youth sports teams.
As the October 15 opening date approaches, final preparations are being made. The club will host several open house events for prospective members to tour the facilities and learn more about the services on offer before the official launch.