The Grade II-listed Hoole Hall Country Club, Hotel & Spa in Chester, Cheshire, has opened following the completion of the first phase of its £26.5m redevelopment.

The three-storey building is being redeveloped by Denizen Contracts and has been redesigned by Falconer Chester Hall Architects. The first phase included the creation of a new restaurant and cocktail bar, called The Orchid Room, and the refurbishment of all 72 bedrooms.

The hotel's £10m spa is due to open in 2009 and will feature 12 treatment rooms including two couple suites, a relaxation area and a 18m swimming pool, an experience pool and a plunge pool. There will also be a sauna, steam room and a possible hair salon to accompany the fitness suite, which will include a gym, two dance studios and changing rooms.

The second phase of the project also includes the restoration of the property's conservatory and the creation of a new reception area, which should be completed by the end of November 2008.

Hoole Hall is owned and operated by Sanguine Hospitality, which acquired the hotel in February 2007 as part of its strategy to create a portfolio 500 rooms in the North West.