Breathing Space Blog

Breathing Space Expansion

18th June 2010

Only my third report on the development and today sees the floor going in at the second level. Once again a huge crane dominates the Thompson Close sky line as concrete planks are hoisted into place like a jigsaw. Again we are extremely lucky with the weather and what ever else causes us problems we certainly can’t blame the weather for any delays. Slightly worryingly I’m listening to one of the site managers’ saying a couple of the planks are too short!! I’m going to keep well out of that situation, I’m sure they’ll resolve it!

The planning of the re-launch of the new Breathing Space is of course hotting up
as unbelievably we are more than half way through the contract. We are working very hard behind the scenes to make as smooth a transition as possible to our expanded business and we have been given a great deal of encouragement by many of our regular clients for which we are truly grateful. There are moments through all this we feel we may have bitten off more than we can chew but our builders, architect, staff and clients have kept us focused and positive that the end result will be well and truly worth it.

One of the areas we decided to bring in ahead of time was the introduction of Pilates Reformers to the studio. These are very specialised pieces of Pilates equipment that are great fun to use and extremely effective for training purposes. This equipment has added to the chaos in some regards but it has enabled us to phase them in slowly to work through the inevitable teething problems. Pilates Reformers are not such a new concept to the Americans, Australians and even Brazilians with them often having Reformer studios in their cities. We are amongst a mere handful of such studios having Group Reformer Classes in the UK, blazing a trail! We have been able to give many of our regular Pilates clients a taster session and have started 3 Reformer classes for the summer which have been amazingly well received. If you are reading this and have an interest in the Reformers you can be assured there will be lots more opportunities to have a go on them so please do state you interest to our Reception and they will keep you informed.

We will be having some work done on our studio over the summer to better organise the equipment and bring the studio back to it’s former glory of a tranquil place to exercise. We expect this will all be done for September along with improved shower and toilet facilities, so not long now.

The fun bit for me is working with our marketing team headed by Lisa and the architect Clare to put a colour scheme together that reflects the right atmosphere in all the areas of the business. I could get carried away at this point and describe to you all we want to do but I know that would spoil the impact. Seeing will be believing. I know it’s going to look FANTASTIC!

There are several new areas to the business which we believe are going to provide our lovely clients with even more to enjoy, more about them next time.

Jane x

May 2010

April 2010

As we are into April it’s now two months since my first report on our expansion plans. You could have thought not too much has happened if you had looked at the site only a matter of hours ago. However the foundations have been a very long job, going down to the point at which men were lost sight of in the trenches and then being built back up with all the reinforcements and drainage in position. The footprint of the new building has been in place now for a few weeks and we’ve been waiting and waiting for some more tangible developments.

Today though, Friday 16th April, is a very exciting day as the steels have arrived and as I type the shell of the ground floor is being craned into place. The photographs show the enormous crane dominating Thompsons Close and the speed at which this stage was constructed.

Behind the scenes a huge amount has been progressed to lead us closer to our vision of a fabulous Breathing Space for all in Harpenden. The lovely bit is choosing the colours to paint the walls and deciding where we want to display advertising material, etc etc. The less appealing side is dealing with gas suppliers, understanding where meters can be positioned and getting the go ahead to carry on digging around current pipe work!

You can probably imagine there have been many little trials and tribulations and no doubt many more to come but broadly speaking we are on course and all still speaking to one another, which has to be a good sign!

In my next update I expect to be able to give you more details of the services we will be offering once a little more Breathing Space has been developed.!

 

This is a very exciting development for us! Three years in the planning and we’re finally up and going. We are working with a company called ISG Jackson over the next 9 months to bring you the most exciting Lifestyle Centre Harpenden will ever have.

Fortunately the demolition side of the work is now nearly over without too much disruption so it’s onwards and upwards!

February 2010
What we’ve got planned FOR YOU.

Our studio and exercise area is expanding to provide a dedicated Pilates machine area for group classes, all very state of the art! Just the best for backs, rehab, body shaping & toning, pre natal and everyone really. In addition there will be a small general exercise area which will provide you with all the personal attention you would expect of us.

We will have a team of body therapists, from osteopaths to physiotherapists, acupuncturists to sports therapists based in our dedicated ‘Health Connection’ suite.
We already have practitioners working with us but if any one out there in this field and interested in running their own business under our umbrella please email us on info@breathingspacespa.co.uk.

And there’s more  - we will have a dedicated hand and foot area which is going to be the bees knees! More of this soon. There’ll be a refreshment area largely based on the healthy options but a little bit of naughty but nice  too! After all you don’t know you are being good if you’re not a little way ward once in a while.

Over the next 9 months we’ll keep you posted on developments so you don’t miss out when we’re ready to roll.

I’m just hoping you won’t notice my grey hair developing at a rate!! I’m going to book in for a full day’s relaxation and pampering when we’re re-launched.

Jane x