THE multi-million pound development of Malvern's first luxury spa resort, which signals the arrival of a new landmark for the historic spa town, has been backed by Allied Irish Bank.

The £4.7 million funding deal has been sealed with local property developer John Williams.

Situated to the north west of Malvern town centre, the £7.5 million Malvern Spa and Hotel development will incorporate a 2000 member state-of-the-art health club and wellness centre, a 34 bed luxury boutique style hotel and a world class spa.

The spa will include indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy pools, aroma sauna, salt grotto, steam room, ice room, experience rain showers and outside sun decks in the spa garden.

Around 60 new jobs will be created by the deal, which was advised by UK specialist leisure consultant John West of West Associates Ltd and Malvern -based Collett Accountancy. Annette Collett is to be appointed finance director and John West will be a non-executive director.

Jane Ogden corporate banking manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB) said: "This is an amazing new signature scheme for Malvern which will attract hundreds of visitors alongside guests to the spa and those looking to sign up to long term private membership. Malvern is well-established on the map for its beauty and spa waters and the arrival of this luxury spa and hotel facility can only bode well for the local economy. Allied Irish Bank (GB) has expertise in the leisure sector and we were delighted to assist in funding the arrival of so a prestigious scheme."

This is the fourth deal in three years that Allied Irish Bank (GB) has negotiated with specialist Spa consultant John West in new developments across the Midlands and the South East.

Developers Malvern Spa Ltd will start on the site which covers approximately three acres of land, in early summer 2007.

With 10 treatment rooms the luxury spa resort will offer guests a variety of treatments including ayurvedic, thalassotherapy, hot stone, mud Rasul and massage.