New thermal spa for Barking's leisure centre

Dalesauna is developing a luxury thermal spa for the £14m Abbey Leisure Centre in Barking, London.

The centre, which will replace the existing Abbey Sports Centre, is due to open before Christmas this year.

Designed by AFLS+P Architects for the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham, the centre will feature a 1,000sq ft thermal area with a large sauna, aromatherapy and crystal steam rooms, salt inhalation room, hydrotherapy pool with massage jets.

There will also be an ice feature, a tiled heated bench and two feature showers.

Building works are underway on the scheme, which will also include a 25m swimming pool, gym, studios, a soft play facility and a café.

Dalesauna sales manager Dean Edwards said, “The council has been very innovative in its choice of facilities, ensuring that the new spa will act as a great additional revenue stream, and also attract people who may not have considered using a local authority centre previously.”

Council leader Darren Rodwell said, “Barking and Dagenham is without question London’s biggest growth opportunity, and that includes a social and cultural offer. I hope that our residents are excited by this new facility and will enjoy using it.”

Dalesauna has previously designed other spas for the public sector, including Verulamium Spa at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre in St Albans, Hertfordshire, and the One Spa at Wimbledon Leisure Centre, London.