Colchester: Bannatyne Health Club & Spa bids for solar energy

Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, in Kingsford Park, Layer Road, Colchester, is hoping to install numerous photovoltaic panels on its roof as revealed in a planning application to Colchester Council.

Under the site’s former name of Clarice House day Spa and Heal, the business has applied for “prior approval of the installation of solar PV equipment” on its roof.

Photovoltaic panels convert thermal energy from the sun into electricity.

Peaceful - Bannatyne Health Club & Spa (Image: Newsquest)

If the spa’s application is successful, Bannatyne’s will install 302 panel arrays to the pitched and flat roof areas of the historic Georgian building.

They will be situated a minimum of 1,000mm from the roof’s edges and be no higher than 1,000mm above the flat roof level.

Duncan Bannatyne is the owner of the Bannatyne Group which owns a multitude of hotels, spas, and health clubs across the country.

Duncan is famously known for appearing as a ‘dragon’ on the BBC programme Dragon’s Den from 2005 to 2015.

Beautiful - another image of Bannatyne Health Club & Spa

On the show, the Scottish entrepreneur would invest money into promising new businesses.

Mr Bannatyne purchased the building, Clarice House, in September 2015.

The Bannatyne Health Club & Spa in Kingsford Park has a pool, spa area, restaurant, designated relaxation area, and even offers a Therapeutic Himalayan salt room sauna.

However, the possible addition of solar panels isn't the only exciting development at the spa.

According to the Bannatyne Spa website, from July 1 to July 26, the Colchester business's poolside will undergo a complete retiling.

Outing - Duncan Bannatyne and guest arrive for the Pride of Britain Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, October 8, 2023 (Image: Doug Peters/PA Wire)

This is to "improve the quality of the flooring and its surrounding areas".

As a result of the works, the swimming pool, sauna, steam room and all associated facilities will be closed for the specified duration.

The ground works for a brand new spa garden has also taken place throughout May.

This outdoor space will have a sauna, hot tubs, and is hoping to launch later in the summer season.

To find out more about Bannatyne Health Club & Spa, head to spa.bannatyne.co.uk.

A spokesman for the Bannatyne Group said: “The ongoing installation of solar panels across some of our health clubs is part of our ongoing commitment to improving our green credentials.

"We have a responsibility to be a sustainable business not only environmentally but also financially and solar panels will also bring greater efficiency to the cost of our energy.”