Big plans for Voya baths

THE Strandhill promenade is about to get a major facelift. In addition to the state-ofthe-art Community and surf centre Voya Seaweed baths has big plans to expand.

Proprietor Neil Walton told The Sligo Champion that his development ambitions include a ‘seaweed interpretive centre and building the biggest seaweed baths in the country.’

The renovation project will see the first floor of the building transformed and incorporated into the business as well as an increase in the number of treatment rooms to eight.

“We will also increase the double sea weed baths and have 8 certified organic treatment rooms, a new relaxation area and a seaweed interpretive centre,” says Neil.

The company hopes to double its staff at the Seaweed baths from 21 to over 40 by the time the project is up and running.

“We hope to have in excess of 40 staff when everything is developed at the site here,” said Neil.

The Finisklin based Voya factory which produces the renowned Voya beauty products and employs 55 people is also undergoing renovations at the moment, and by the later end of next year Neil said between the two businesses, Voya intends to be employing 110 people.

As harvesting seaweed is an age old tradition unique to Ireland Voya Seaweed Baths wants to reflect this with its planned interpretive centre as Neil explained: “What we are trying to do is give credit to what has gone before, a nod to the tradition of seaweed harvesting in Ireland. We believe the centre will be a massive tourism draw and it will be open to anyone to visit.”

Neil added: “We expect to double the amount of people who visit our seaweed baths and intend to tap into the tour group market. We are making connections with the Asian market aswell. We also want to be recognised as the flagship programme for Voya products worldwide.”

While the renovations get underway which Neil hopes will start in the coming months or early next year, the current baths and treatments will be operational.