Paisley-based spa consultancy and designer Spa Developments has announced plans to open the UK’s first independent spa academy in March 2006.

The £1m facility will be based in Glasgow and aims to offer a wide range of courses for people working in the spa sector.

Alan Georgeson, chief executive of Spa Developments, said: “The facility is designed to cater for all those involved in promoting health and wellbeing, whether they are involved operationally on a day to day basis or interested from a commercial perspective.”

As well as offering courses and guest lectures, the 7,000sq ft (650sq m) facility will also be available for hire as a training venue and exhibition space.

Facilities at the purpose designed academy will include consulting rooms, lecture theatres and training suites as well as conference and exhibition facilities.

“We will also be offering courses tailored for hotel owners, spa directors and marketing professionals covering the commercial aspects of operating a successful spa,” said Georgeson. The academy will not be tied to any product house.