A new spa and leisure complex will be built at an award-winning hotel. 

Plans for the wellness facility at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield, were approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee. 

The hotel’s owners say the latest upgrade will boost its state-of-the-art appearance and bring more visitors to County Durham. 

A new swimming pool, gym, and aerobics studio will be built within the new complex.

Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield, County DurhamHardwick Hall in Sedgefield, County Durham (Image: Google)

The existing coach house in the hotel’s grounds will be used and expanded alongside a new build facility. 

A spa garden, restaurant, and hair salon are also detailed in the plans. 

Ramside Estates, which owns the hotel, said: “The exciting plans now propose a wide range of new facilities in the spa. The very significant upgrade from 2003 includes a 25m pool, gym, studio, treatment rooms, swim-out pool, and restaurant. 

“The theme matches that of the original coach house and reflects the setting of the important listed Hardwick Hall.”

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The existing coach house in the hotel’s grounds will be used The existing coach house in the hotel’s grounds will be used (Image: Google)

Around £11.2 million in private investment has been pledged towards the upgrade. More than 100 jobs are due to be created as part of the development, Ramside Estates said. 

A planning statement read: “As with their flagship site at Ramside and their boutique hotel at Bowburn, Ramside Estates remains committed to County Durham and continues to invest over and over in improving the facilities they offer to visitors to the county. 

“They are now one of the largest employers in Durham and it is hoped they will continue to enjoy the support of the county council with this exciting new project at Hardwick.”