Pembrokeshire Council Approves Public Spa and Wellness Centre in Former Pembroke Holiday Apartments
Pembrokeshire County Council has approved plans to open a public spa and treatment centre at 6-10 Main Street, Pembroke, transforming the former holiday apartment complex into a destination for local visitors. Northgate Ltd, represented by planning agent Edgeplan Limited, secured permission to operate the facility, which includes a sauna, hot tub, and cold-plunge pool, for the general public.
The site previously housed the town’s Co-op supermarket before being converted into holiday lets in 2020. Pembroke Town Council backed the application, supporting the repurposing of the building’s existing communal facilities. The development aims to provide a relaxing atmosphere for users throughout the day, utilising infrastructure already present in the property.
A supporting statement noted that permission was granted in 2024 to convert the holiday lets into residential flats, with subsequent work completed. The proposal retains the spa facilities in their current condition, operating them as a separate centre independent of the residential apartments. This approach avoids the need for any internal or external alterations to the building structure.
The holiday apartments had fewer occupants than expected after the 2020 conversion, making the original use “unviable to retain” and prompting the shift to residential homes. Communal facilities remained in place but were unused because their maintenance, servicing, and staffing costs were unattractive to flat occupiers. The new lease arrangement addresses this by making the suite available to visiting customers.
The applicant has arranged to lease the suite independently of the apartments, offering services throughout the day. In addition to the sauna, hot tub, and cold-plunge pool, the centre will offer a treatment facility including massage, aromatherapy, relaxation, mani/pedicures, body scrubs, and wraps. The lounge and dining room will also provide a space for rest, healthy snacks, meals, and drinks prepared in the adjoining kitchen.
It added that the intention is to utilise the facility for visiting members of the public, providing a relaxing atmosphere. This ensures the existing infrastructure serves a new community purpose without significant construction disruption.
Planning officers approved the application under delegated powers, subject to specific conditions. The decision allows the site to function as a dedicated wellness hub within the Pembrokeshire town centre. This move diversifies the local offer, catering to residents and tourists seeking leisure and health services in a convenient location.
The project highlights the adaptive reuse of commercial and residential spaces in Pembroke. By retaining existing facilities, the proposal minimises environmental impact and construction waste. The centre will operate as a standalone business, distinct from the residential flats now occupying the upper levels of the building.
Residents and visitors can expect a range of wellness services, from traditional massages to modern cold-plunge therapies. The inclusion of a dining area ensures the venue offers a complete leisure experience. This development supports the local economy by attracting foot traffic to the Main Street area.
The approval marks a significant shift for the property, which has undergone multiple changes in use over the past decade. From a supermarket to holiday lets, and now a public spa, the building continues to evolve with the needs of the community. The council’s decision reflects a pragmatic approach to planning, leveraging existing assets for public benefit.
Eli Nathan
Eli Nathan covers Wales news, politics, community stories, and sports for The National Wales (thenational.wales).
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