£16 million expansion for Bannatyne Group

Duncan Bannatyne, founder of The Bannatyne Group and star of Dragon’s Den has revealed a £16 million expansion plan for the fitness chain.

It is anticipated that more than 100 new jobs will be created from the expansion. Mr Bannatyne said the investment would include 2 new health clubs, a new hotel, 2 hotel extensions and 2 new spas.

In the North-East, a ‘Sensory’ spa will be added to the Bannatyne Fitness health club in Darlington and 23 bedrooms added to the existing Bannatyne Hotel at Belmont on the edge of Durham.

Mr Bannatyne said the position we have established for ourselves in the health club sector proves that there is always room to grow by moving into towns and cities where customers demand high quality service and facilities.

He added that this is true in the hospitality sector where Hotel Bannatyne in Durham City has carved out a good proportion of the tough North-East business and weekend-break market.

The Hotel in Belmont uses Mr Bannatyne’s innovative pricing strategy which offers discounts to those who book well in advance, turning conventional hotel industry wisdom on its head. Guests who book on the internet in advance, rather than at the last minute, can reserve rooms from just £35 per night.

Mr Bannatyne added that he is planning to open a casino in Newcastle and an announcement is expected in the first quarter of this year.

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