Husband and wife team convert derelict Hyde pub into £600k swimming centre

A married couple have opened a new £600k swimming pool and activity hub in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

Gary and Suzanne Horton launched the business, plans for which were revealed last month, after selling their family home to transform a derelict pub on Knott Lane into a family swimming centre that includes a coffee shop and multi-function studio space.

The pair are the owners of Greater Manchester Puddle Ducks, part of a franchise providing swimming lessons for babies and toddlers.

Now, they plan to run the business at Aqua Nurture with the help of their 14-strong team.

Suzanne commented: “The Aqua Nurture centre will allow more families in the area to enjoy Puddle Ducks classes to enjoy other baby and toddler activity classes as well.

“We wanted to include a warm and welcoming coffee shop so families can come for their classes and then enjoy a nice coffee or treat together.”

She added: “In the future we plan to open a larger studio on the premises to offer a range of programmes and classes such as pre and postnatal yoga and music and dance classes.”

In converting the premises, the couple turned to Peter Haykin, a relationship manager with NatWest.

Peter said: “I was delighted to support Suzanne and Gary with funding for their new Aqua Nurture centre.

“It’s an exciting new business which will offer families a wonderful place to come and visit. We wish the business every success for the future.”

To unlock the next stage of growth for their new venture, Gary and Suzanne have joined the Entrepreneurial Spark business accelerator programme, which operates from NatWest’s office on Hardman Boulevard in Manchester.

Gary commented: “NatWest were very responsive to our business goals and funding needs. It’s been great to work with Peter and the team at NatWest.

“And the support we have had from the Entrepreneurial Spark programme has been fantastic.”

He continued: “It gives us the space we need to really focus on the business and its development, while also working alongside a fantastic network of other small businesses.”