A DRAGON'S Den star is just weeks away from opening his very own spa and treatment centre at Teesside Airport.

The brand new "Bannatyne Express Spa" in the departure lounge of the terminal is expected to open to passengers in early 2022.

The TV star and owner of the Darlington-based health company, Duncan Bannatyne unveiled plans back in November.

Read more: First look as Duncan Bannatyne unveils plans for new £100k spa at Teesside Airport

And now for the first time, a peek inside the construction site has revealed how work is well underway on the new attraction.

We took a look

The Northern Echo: Picture: TEESSIDE AIRPORTPicture: TEESSIDE AIRPORT

The Northern Echo: Picture: TEESSIDE AIRPORTPicture: TEESSIDE AIRPORT

Offering fifteen to 30-minute treatments, massages, manicures and pedicures, the spa is expected to draw in crowds and offer something never seen before at the airport.

Unveiling the plans last month, Mr Bannatyne said that the branch would be the first of its kind for Bannatyne, said the move reflected demand.

Read more: World Duty Free opens at Teesside Airport - and here's a first look

The chief executive and chairman at the Bannatyne Group said: “Passenger numbers are high and increasing as new flights and destinations are announced and I am proud to be investing in our first Express Spa and contributing in a small way to the vision the Tees Valley Mayor has for the airport.” 

The Northern Echo: Picture: TEESSIDE AIRPORTPicture: TEESSIDE AIRPORT

The Northern Echo: Picture: TEESSIDE AIRPORTPicture: TEESSIDE AIRPORT

At a cost of around £100,000, the spa is expected to create several jobs to begin with the promise that more roles could be on their way once it opens to passengers.

Bosses say a North East firm has been drafted in to complete the works, which will remain in-keeping with the Bannatyne brand.

As it was unveiled, the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said that Mr Bannatyne's plan had come as a "vote of confidence" in the airport.

He said: "Duncan has an eye for spotting opportunities and growth and this latest venture is a testament to how far the airport has come, and he can see the potential.

“We’re always looking at ways to make the airport better, offering something a bit different experience for our passengers and standing out from the crowd.

"It’s also another example of how our airport is creating good-quality jobs for local people.”

The Northern Echo: How it will look once completeHow it will look once complete

The first look inside comes as the airport last week opened its first duty free shop in eight year.

Employing twelve full and part-time staff, the World Duty Free-branded store opened on Thursday to passengers flying to London, Aberdeen and Amsterdam.

At the time, Fred Creighton, Chief Executive Officer of World Duty Free in the UK, said: “We are pleased and proud to be part of this exciting new chapter in the airport’s story and to be able to play our part in helping to regenerate the airport and its retail offer. 

"Our new tax- and duty-free store takes shopping to the next level for all passengers visiting the airport – and in time for Christmas."

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