Anfield is set to welcome a new multi-million-pound wellness destination when The Urban Sauna opens on Saturday, November 14. Regeneration and development company Seven Group has spent four months transforming part of a derelict former business park on Cherry Lane into an urban retreat designed to promote calm and relaxation.
The site, set among trees and greenery, will feature two Scandinavian log-burning saunas, each accommodating up to 16 people, two 10-person hot tubs, a six-person ice bath, two single-person ice baths and showers. It forms part of a 24,000 sq/ft wellness and commercial hub.
Creating a space to unwind
Shane Hanley, director of Seven Group and co-founder of The Urban Sauna, said: "People lead busy, hectic and stressful lives, so I wanted to create an outdoor health and wellness centre where they can come for an hour a day, two, three or four times a week, to relax, unwind and take a break from real life."
Hanley added: "Over the last 14 years, I've done a lot of work in the city with charities and local businesses. I felt now was the time to do something special for Liverpool and give something back to the community.
"Saunas and cold plunges may support wellbeing in several ways, including relaxation and sleep. It could be a place for people recovering from injury, those looking for support with their mental wellbeing, or anyone who simply wants to relax."
Jobs and investment
The aim is to create a health and wellness destination for local people and visitors while bringing economic and employment opportunities to the area. A total of 20 new jobs will be created on the site when it opens.
Hanley said: "This is about bringing people back to nature. Once you're here, it feels like being in the country. It's Scandinavian, simple saunas and cold-water treatments inspired by how saunas were used hundreds of years ago, offering a wellness experience that's a little different."
More than £2.5 million has already been invested in the Cherry Lane site, which has undergone significant redevelopment over the past two years. An existing unit has been renovated as a children's nursery and play centre, while a former college building has been remodelled into seven modern trade units, now occupied by businesses.
Future plans and pricing
A further £6 million of planned work and investment will bring container storage facilities to the site, alongside leisure and lifestyle additions including a golf simulator, swimming pool and gym.
When it opens next month, the sauna will operate seven days a week from 7am to 9pm, with a limited number of places per session. Annual membership will cost £999 for unlimited use. The first 100 applicants can take advantage of an introductory price of £497. Single and block bookings, as well as private access, will also be available.
Hanley concluded: "This was a rundown site that we decided to regenerate, and we want the people of Liverpool to come and enjoy it. The dream has become a reality, and it's going to be phenomenal."
