Beauty boss is banking on taking over new premises

Salon owner makes planning bid for old RBS building

The boss of a popular beauty salon has revealed plans to take over a former bank building as part of a major expansion.

Rosslyn Docherty, owner of Essence Beauty Salon in Canal Street, Renfrew, is hoping to move into the RBS space just across the road which has lain empty for almost two years.

RBS customers were dealt a huge blow when the bank shut its doors in June 2018 as the firm reported an increasing number of people turning to online and mobile banking.

Rosslyn is hoping she can breathe new life into the building and introduce new facilities to her 25-year-old business.

If she is granted permission for the move by Renfrewshire Council, she said she hopes to develop a new spa room with a sauna and hot tub, as well as several new treatment rooms - which she anticipates will cost around £200,000.

“We’ve found that we’ve grown out of our current space and I’m pleased to be able to say we’re looking to expand,” said Rosslyn.

“I’m quite proud of the fact I am still going after 25 years, especially in this industry.

“I am an RBS customer and the bank was right across the road from the salon, and it was gutting to see it go.

“However, every cloud has a silver lining and it’s been good for me from a business perspective.

“I have been looking for a long time trying to find a space as there’s not many in the town centre, so it’s turned into a good opportunity.

“We hope to be able to add extra treatment rooms and a new spa area.”

The firm started operating back in 1994 in Glasgow’s Renfield Street before moving to its current base in Canal Street in 2002.

Between 250 and 300 clients are now welcomed into the salon every week for nail treatments, facials, massages and more.

A building warrant application has been submitted to the council, which will determine whether to give the go-ahead in the coming months.

Councillor John Shaw, who represents the area on the council, added: “It is good to see a local business looking to expand.”

I have been looking for a long time trying to find a space as there’s not many in the centre