Is this a sign that we may have returned to some sort of economic growth in the Vale? A sign of renewed confidence?
The Llanrhaeadr Springs health farm that's been closed and on the commercial market for about four years has sold. Its asking price was £500,000 which, given the size of the place, was a bargain. But, having been empty for such a long time, it does require a lot of work and that's precisely what its new owner is setting about doing, all with the intention of returning the property to commercial use.
It's enjoyed a chequered history. Half a dozen years ago, its then owner Emma Jones had ambitious plans to upgrade the spa. She also invested heavily and her endeavours required considerable staff, about 20 in all. She spared no expense but the capital and revenue overheads were such that the business ran out of money. The contractor chosen to undertake the premises conversion was Anwyl of Rhyl, a building company in business since 1937 and one about to move from its home town to prestigious new offices at St David's Park, Ewloe. At the time of the spa's collapse, Anwyl was the largest creditor and it took the place over. Management was to be provided by three "Anwyl Ladies" who married into the family. As usual with such ventures, the work gradually rested on one person's shoulders and, with a seven day a week operation, this proved unsustainable, hence Anwyl putting it on the market through Wild commercial agents of Chester.
All that's in the past. What of the future? Economic recovery there might be but it's reported as the slowest in 100 years. Things are still fragile and with a higher proportion of public sector workers in Denbighshire compared with any other county in the UK then the local economic base may not no longer be especially sound. Cuts in public services will result in reduced disposable income.
But there's worse. The Rhuthun/Ruthin market already has the Vale Country Club Spa as a competitor. During the closure of Llanrhaeadr Springs, Castell Rhuthun Castle has invested in an upgraded day spa, open to non-residents. Both the Rhuthun and Dinbych municipal facilities have undergone expansion and refurbishment within the last two years…
Perhaps that's why the new 30-something Range Rover-owing entrepreneur Harry Barker wants to focus more on weddings while still managing the spa. It's his hope to move the balance away from the spa side of things.
The Llanrhaeadr Springs health farm that's been closed and on the commercial market for about four years has sold. Its asking price was £500,000 which, given the size of the place, was a bargain. But, having been empty for such a long time, it does require a lot of work and that's precisely what its new owner is setting about doing, all with the intention of returning the property to commercial use.
It's enjoyed a chequered history. Half a dozen years ago, its then owner Emma Jones had ambitious plans to upgrade the spa. She also invested heavily and her endeavours required considerable staff, about 20 in all. She spared no expense but the capital and revenue overheads were such that the business ran out of money. The contractor chosen to undertake the premises conversion was Anwyl of Rhyl, a building company in business since 1937 and one about to move from its home town to prestigious new offices at St David's Park, Ewloe. At the time of the spa's collapse, Anwyl was the largest creditor and it took the place over. Management was to be provided by three "Anwyl Ladies" who married into the family. As usual with such ventures, the work gradually rested on one person's shoulders and, with a seven day a week operation, this proved unsustainable, hence Anwyl putting it on the market through Wild commercial agents of Chester.
All that's in the past. What of the future? Economic recovery there might be but it's reported as the slowest in 100 years. Things are still fragile and with a higher proportion of public sector workers in Denbighshire compared with any other county in the UK then the local economic base may not no longer be especially sound. Cuts in public services will result in reduced disposable income.
But there's worse. The Rhuthun/Ruthin market already has the Vale Country Club Spa as a competitor. During the closure of Llanrhaeadr Springs, Castell Rhuthun Castle has invested in an upgraded day spa, open to non-residents. Both the Rhuthun and Dinbych municipal facilities have undergone expansion and refurbishment within the last two years…
Perhaps that's why the new 30-something Range Rover-owing entrepreneur Harry Barker wants to focus more on weddings while still managing the spa. It's his hope to move the balance away from the spa side of things.