A wellness club featuring sauna pods, ice baths, and a therapy pool is due to become the latest addition to the Waterfront, after plans submitted by a Jersey business owner this week got the green light.
Sauna Society founder Cole McLean said he was “delighted” to have received planning permission to build a wellness hub at Waterfront Gardens.
The facility, which will offer sauna sessions and cold water therapy, is set to open next to the AquaSplash in early 2026.
It will include two 20-person saunas, six ice baths, a heated magnesium contrast pool and indoor-outdoor recovery zones.
Mr McLean has said the facility, which will become the Sauna Society’s second location, aims to “breathe new life into the area” and create “a healthy, social alternative to alcohol-centric activities”.
Mr McLean launched the business in 2023 after using sauna therapy as part of his own recovery from sports injuries.
A regular at the gym and long-time football and hockey player, he said he found that regular heat exposure brought lasting physical and mental benefits.
The original mobile sauna unit – featuring a Finnish woodburner, cold showers, and a large glass window – first opened at St Ouen’s Bay and later moved to St Catherine’s, where it continues to operate.
Mr McLean said: “With over 800 flats in the immediate area, we’ll be able to serve people living in town who want a space to prioritise their health and wellbeing, without always having to travel out east to St Catherine’s.
“Our goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can come to feel their best, recover, prolong their health, and connect with others.
“We believe wellness isn’t just about the physical benefits, it’s about feeling part of a community and leaving each visit feeling great.
“The Waterfront site gives us the opportunity to bring that vision right into the heart of St Helier, making social wellness more accessible for everyone.”
He said that islanders can sign up for memberships with exclusive discounts, perks and priority booking across both sites.
The proposal has been supported by the Jersey Development Company and Visit Jersey,