Tangerine Group to expand The Villa at Wrea Green
David Haythornthwaite’s veterinary science business acquired the hotel last year and now wants to add more rooms as well as training and conference facilities.
Tangerine Group has submitted an application to Fylde Council for the redevelopment of The Villa at Wrea Green, a 19th century former gentleman’s residence.
The project, led by architecture practice FWP, will upgrade the hotel’s existing offer as well as adding a 25-metre swimming pool, 20 bedrooms, and lecture theatres.
VetPlus, Tangerine Group’s hero brand, will have an academy on site. It will feature a dedicated training, teaching, and conference centre, according to FWP.
The project is part of a £20m programme of work unveiled by Tangerine Group that includes a new headquarters for the company just two miles away at Greenlands Farm.
David Haythornthwaite, chairman of Tangerine Group, said: “The Fylde has always been home for Tangerine Group, and we are proud to continue investing in the community where the business began.
“Over the past three decades we have grown from a small business in a disused builders’ yard in Freckleton, to a company whose products are trusted by vets in 54 countries across the world.”
FWP also worked with Haythornthwaite, who owns non-league football club AFC Fylde, on the club’s Mill Farm Sports Village.
David Robinson, FWP managing director, said: “The upgrading of The Villa will help protect the future of one of Lancashire’s most iconic leisure and hospitality venues. The plans we have worked on will deliver an exciting new chapter for the hotel.
“This is a very welcome investment in the local economy by a company that has a strong track record of delivery, illustrated by the success of Mill Farm, which has become a true destination venue for sport, leisure and entertainment as well as high-quality logistics and manufacturing operations.”
