Walker Morris advises on the sale of Cookridge Hall

16th January 2019

Listed gym and wedding venue acquired by The Bannatyne Group

Real estate and commercial lawyers from Walker Morris have advised Cookridge Hall on its sale to the Bannatyne Group.

The West Yorkshire hall, which dates back to 1721, comprises a health club and wedding and events venue. The health club offers a large gym, swimming pool with sauna and jacuzzi and a licensed bar and restaurant. It is set amongst an 18-hole golf course, which is not included in the deal.

The 38,693 sq ft facility was previously owned and operated by Esporta and subsequently, Virgin Active, before the health club and the adjacent golf club investments were acquired by the current owners. It has more than of 3,000 members.

Justin Musgrove, Chief Executive of the Bannatyne Group, said:

“Cookridge Hall is in a significant location, serving a wide area including Alwoodley, Horsforth, Otley, Ilkley and Wharfedale, and is a perfect addition to our growing portfolio. Its position is also ideal for one of our luxury spas and we will be planning this investment at a later stage.

“We will be making immediate investment to bring the very latest fitness equipment to help members achieve their fitness, health and wellbeing goals more effectively, and new changing facilities that are of the highest standard.”

Adam Frontal, Managing Director of Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness and Cookridge Hall Golf Club, added:

“The sale of the club made good business sense, we have grown the club from 1,800 members to over 3,600 members. We leave the club in a healthy position and are delighted with the improvements made.

“This transaction with Bannatyne has been extremely smooth and we know their plans will further improve the health club; we leave the club in good hands and wish Bannatyne and the staff all the best for the future.