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Bannatyne Group Has Completed The Acquisition Of The Prestigious Cookridge Hall

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Cookridge Hall, which includes a health club and stunning wedding and events venue, is the 72nd club in the growing Bannatyne portfolio.

A beautiful old hall dating back to 1721, Cookridge Hall is located in the attractive outskirts of Leeds between Horsforth and Bramhope. 

The health club offers a large gym, swimming pool with sauna and jacuzzi and a licensed bar and restaurant.

The listed building, set amongst an 18-hole Golf course and beautiful grounds, makes the perfect backdrop to celebrate a wedding or organise a corporate event.

The 38,693 sq. ft health club was previously owned and operated by Esporta and subsequently, Virgin Active, before the health club and the adjacent golf club investments were acquired by the current owners.

There are in excess of 3,000 members, who will see the facilities significantly enhanced as the health club is added to the Bannatyne Group’s investment programme.

The gym floor will be totally revamped with the installation of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and a functional training area and the changing facilities will be completely refurbished.  The addition of a brand-new Bannatyne Spa is planned at a later date.

The health club will be renamed Bannatyne Health Club & Spa Cookridge Hall and memberships will be transferred to the Bannatyne Group.

Justin Musgrove, chief executive of the Bannatyne Group, said: “Cookridge Hall represents a further strategic purchase for the group as well as an exciting opportunity for us enhance both the property and member experience with targeted investment.

“Cookridge Hall is in a significant location, serving a wide area including Alwoodley, Horsforth, Otley, Ilkely and Wharfedale, and is a perfect addition to our growing portfolio.  Its position is also ideal for one of our luxury spas and we will be planning this investment at a later stage.

“We will be making immediate investment to bring the very latest fitness equipment to help members achieve their fitness, health and wellbeing goals more effectively, and new changing facilities that are of the highest standard,

“The exciting investment will greatly enhance the health club without compromising the atmosphere that members value.  This is great news for everyone at Cookridge Hall and I’d like to personally welcome members and colleagues to The Bannatyne Group.”

Managing Director of Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness and Cookridge Hall Golf Club Adam Frontal said: “The sale of the club made good business sense, we have grown the club from 1800 members to over 3600 members. We leave the club in a healthy position and are delighted with the improvements made.

“This transaction with Bannatyne has been extremely smooth and we know their plans will further improve the health club; we leave the club in good hands and wish Bannatyne and the staff all the best for the future.”

Christie & Co’s Head of Leisure & Development Jon Patrick who brokered the deal concluded: “Our historic knowledge of the club and associated ownership structures enabled a discreet and confidential approach to be made with a smooth sale and purchase transition which appealed to both buyer and seller alike.”

Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness was advised by Sophie Davies & Phil Goldsborough of Shoosmiths who acted on the corporate sale and to Emma Collins & Jeremy Moore of Walker Morris who acted on the property sale.

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