Plans for mobile sauna on Weymouth Beach
A wood-fired unit could go close to the Pier Bandstand
Weymouth beach could soon have a winter mobile sauna – if a planning request is agreed.
A potential site for the wood-fired mobile unit has been identified close to the Pier Bandstand, opposite the Prince Regent Hotel.
The proposal comes from Weymouth Town Council although the unit will be operated by a local company.
The site is used for a hut for disabled swimmers during the summer months.
The planning application to Dorset Council proposes what is describes as shepherd-hut style “wild sauna unit and ancillary shed” taking up about 20 square metres.
A similar unit is already in operation at Bowleaze Cove with the company behind the venture also running a floating sauna at Portland Marina.
The town council anticipates that running the sauna will create two part-time jobs with the unit in operation from November to February, available for hire to individuals or groups.
The application says beach saunas have become popular at many locations over recent years and provide an additional and alternative facility for visitors and residents.
The proposed sauna would be operated by Revive Wild Sauna who say in the application:
“We are focused upon providing a service that enables access to a comfortable environment to relax, breathe and socialise.
"We are passionate in the belief that saunas and cold water provide outstanding benefits to people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The joint owners are both from Weymouth and Portland and are proud to be able to develop a service that is becoming more and more popular for local people.
More than 80% of all business is from local users.
"As well as weekend full cost services we also provide heavily discounted sessions mid-week to support community groups such as the Blue Tits (sea swimming group) who use us weekly.
"We also provide a weekly wellbeing evening that is subsidised and for persons having a tough week who believe their mental wellbeing might benefit from access to the sauna.”
The sauna can seat up to eight people and will be similar to one the company already operates at Bowleaze Cove, with a glazed window offering views to the sea.
The adjacent shed would be used by staff – with both structures clad in stained wood.
Public comments on the application are open until November 22nd.