EUROPE
(clockwise from top left): The new
life-ness facility offers three cafés,
a gym equipped by Star Trac, and a
sauna area with an icy cold dip tank
Wet-ness, the new-look swimming area, offers a 25m broadened appeal
training pool – available to swimmers of all ages – and a The centre is run by CEO Ronald Eden, who is supported
learning pool in the shape of a kidney bean where children are by a product manager, customer service manager, facility
taught to swim. The pool can be used by members as well as by manager and a marketing and PR manager. The total number
non-members on a pay as you go basis. As a state-owned club, of staff has tripled since the re-launch.
there are also community programmes in place that provide The clientele has also changed, with the additional facilities and
local schools and swimming associations with the chance to services – all laid out in a well-designed environment – helping to
rent the wet-ness facilities out at a reduced rate. meet the goal of attracting a wider range of people. What used
Well-ness, the sauna area, is also open to members and to be a largely ignored swimming pool now attracts visitors from
non-members on a pay as you go basis. Three different saunas across the board, from image-conscious young professionals who
are available in the expanded facility: a steam sauna, a bio- want to stay in shape, through semi-professional athletes seeking
sauna set to 60–70 degrees, and a Finnish sauna set to 80–90 to improve performance, to elderly people who enjoy the chance
degrees. An icy cold dip tank and footbaths are also available. to keep fi t in a community environment. The addition of the
Meanwhile, a wide range of massages and other types of dedicated children’s space has also expanded the focus of the
wellness and beauty treatments can be booked, at an extra kids’ offering from wet play only to encompass dry indoor play,
cost, to help relax both body and mind. offering more fl exibility for parents.
Finally, happi-ness – a children’s indoor play area nicknamed Since re-opening, membership has already doubled. More than
‘Nessi’ – offers a labyrinth of slides, netting and wobbly 5,000 guests now use the swimming pool section every month
walkways, as well as a mini go-kart track, all designed to keep and, so far, more than 200 kids have joined the ‘Nessi’ club.
children entertained. A dedicated toddler area has also been Plans to further enhance the facility are already in progress,
set up for the exclusive use of kids under the age of two. including a sauna garden area with an additional sauna, café and
A kids’ club called Nessi Club offers free membership to an outdoor terrace, to be completed in early 2010.
the play area, as well as participation in special activities such “The business model that transformed Aquafun into life-
as Hallowe’en and Christmas parties, arts and crafts activities ness will undoubtedly be used as a blueprint to develop other
and reading sessions. As an additional revenue driver for the public pools in the area,” says Eden. “We know that other city
new club, celebration packages can also be purchased which councils are keeping a close eye on the success of the project,
include food, drink and birthday cake. alongside private investors and other health club owners.”
In addition to the wellness facilities, there are now also three
cafés in the complex, offering members a relaxed environment laura blacklaws
in which to enjoy a quick drink or a relaxing meal.
healthclub@leisuremedia.com
january 2010 © cybertrek 2010 Read Health Club Management online 61
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
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