‘Great’ expectations

The waiting is finally over as one of the most eagerly anticipated business openings for many years is set to take place this weekend.

On Saturday, Great Escape and Fitness will open its doors following an extensive six-month revamp which has seen the former Pola Cinema transformed into a state-of-the-art gym, spa and beauty facility.

It represents a significant investment from husband and wife team Chris and Stacey Greatorex (below) who have breathed life back into the ailing building which was a cinema for more than half a century.

And what a transformation it is.

The former screen one cinema is now a dynamic gymnasium while the former screen two boasts spa facilities including a sauna and a Jacuzzi.

Downstairs, in what used to be the restaurant Revells, a beauty facility offering an extensive range of treatments will open.

The investment has created six jobs with Lois Williams, Beth Hills and Christine Turnbull joining Stacey on the beauty and spa side while professional boxer Warren Sinden, Adrienne Barrett and Angela Lee provide experienced back-up to Chris in the gym business.

The facility will hold an open day tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am-5pm with special offers available including 15% off first treatment booked on the day as well as 100 exclusive spaces at £35 a month for unlimited gym and spa use.

There will also be bronze, silver and gold personal training packages and gym/spa packages available on a month-to-month basis.

“It is all systems go now,” said Chris. “There has been a lot of hard work invested in creating something new for the area so we are looking forward to welcoming anyone who wants to come and take a look on Saturday.”