THE first step towards the construction of a new £10 million spa has been made at a luxury hotel on Chester's outskirts.

Carden Park, set within a 1,000-acre country estate, officially broke ground on Tuesday on the new extensive development.

The large-scale project is part of the hotel's £20 million refurbishment investment over the past three years. It is an addition to the current facilities and will bring further jobs to the area.

Inspired by Carden Park's natural countryside setting, the new spa, to open in summer 2019, will welcome both day spa visitors and overnight guests to relax and recharge with a large choice of facilities.

This includes an outdoor spa garden complete with a sensory hydrotherapy pool, hot tubs, fire pits and outdoor sauna with private 'secret garden' relaxation spaces plus a central champagne bar.

Inside the spa, there will be a range of different thermal experiences, a large vitality pool, ice fountain, snow shower, experience showers, foot baths and heated loungers. There will also be 14 treatment rooms and a beauty lounge offering manicure, pedicure, lash and brow services for the finishing touches.

A number of relaxation areas with seating spaces are planned, as well as a first floor lounge and restaurant.

Announcing the development, Carden Park general manager Hamish Ferguson said: "Carden Park is constantly innovating and evolving to meet market demands but this is a momentous leap forward for the business as we invest in what will be one of the most luxurious spa developments in the UK.

"Not only will it offer Cheshire residents a place to relax and socialise, but it will also prove an important added attraction to the luxury leisure break market.

"We have an incredible team of people involved and I'm looking forward to what will be a very special spa journey for us all."

The team appointed on this project are HB Architects, Pave Aways Ltd Building Contractors, Barr & Wray Interior Design and Spa consultant Nicki Kurran.