Hyde pub converted into baby friendly swimming pool

A HUSBAND and wife team have brought a derelict Hyde pub back to use and opened a state of the art family swimming pool and activity hub inside.

The new family-friendly space provides the perfect centre for the family’s growing toddler and baby swimming lesson franchise, Puddle Ducks.

Gary and Suzanne Horton have opened their Aqua Nurture centre inside the former Apethorn pub in Gee Cross, Hyde, after receiving support from NatWest and Manchester accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark.

The Aqua Nurture centre includes a hydro pool, a coffee shop and space for a multi-function studio.

Mrs Horton, a mum of two, launched the Greater Manchester Puddle Ducks baby and toddler swimming franchise business five years ago. Four years later husband Gary joined, and today the couple and their 14-strong team cater for more than 600 customers across the region.

Mrs Horton said: “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.

“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.”

To support the conversion of the premises, the Hortons turned to NatWest relationship manager Peter Haykin who secured a six-figure loan to facilitate.  
They also joined business accelerator programme Entrepreneurial Spark which is based in NatWest’s offices in Hardman Boulevard, Manchester to help their business grow to the next stage.