Linden is about to add to the range of services on its waterfront as one investor seeks to establish an approximately $50M multipurpose therapeutic spa and recreational facility.
Nutritionist Dr. Joseph Haynes, a Lindener and alternative treatment health professional, believes that activities such as spa treatments seen on television should be offered within the community and youths in the mining town should have more recreational activities.
In justifying his investment in the mining town, Dr. Haynes said that one of the reasons Linden has a greater need than Georgetown is that, “Linden is deprived of alternative treatments…at the moment.” While completion of the new establishment was expected in December, due to a delay it will likely open in the new year.
His entrepreneurial footprint in Linden is not new and began in 1993. Over a decade ago, he began the Health and Wellness Center clinic in Mackenzie, which was later moved to the city at 145 Fifth Street, Alberttown in 1996. Nevertheless, over the last 10 years he has travelled to Linden once per week to attend to the health food outlet he continued to maintain there.
In the early 1990s Dr. Haynes acquired the plot of land at the Mackenzie riverfront, where he is now building the therapeutic facility and the plan then was to build a very big health clinic.
The backdrop of the river, he said, is “very helpful,” considering the nature of the business and it is also convenient in that it gives residents on both shores (Wismar and Mackenzie) access to the facility. After the completion of this new development Haynes will be spending most weekdays in Linden with some two days in the city.
He acknowledged that the economic situation in the community is “bad,” but said that people will find the means to take care of themselves. Speaking in terms of the price for the services to be offered, he added that it will be affordable.
Moreover, although he revealed that he is looking forward to providing employment in the community, the entrepreneur could not say at the time what number of jobs the venture will likely create, but he did note that the work force will be largely Lindeners.
On the other hand, the recreational aspect of the facility will provide youths an opportunity to develop their skills. As a result, there will be activities such as ping-pong, table tennis and air hockey along with the popular computer games. A section of the U-shape 3,000 square feet building will cater to a weekend theatre that will facilitate families seeking to “enjoy a good outing,” he said. This theatre will host concerts, receptions and seminars.
Among the spa treatment items will be Jacuzzis and saunas for regeneration and recuperation, noted Dr. Haynes, adding that the plan is to establish a complete spa and recreational facility. A branch of Eureka labs, which is based in the city, is also expected to be housed at the facility.
With a lot of investors choosing the waterfront to make their mark, he said, “I think it is going to enhance … (and) present a different aspect of Linden,” since the community needs to get away from the loud music and alcohol consumption.
Already, well known Linden businessman Dunstan Barrow, who operates Barrow’s Restaurant and Lounge and Cabs Hardware will be establishing a $160M multipurpose plaza at the back of the spa facility facing Republic Avenue, while Church’s Chicken is also at the waterfront along with the Cresent Supermarket and other small businesses.
As to how this venture will further assist the tourist drive in Linden he remarked that, “it will add to the availability of quality services that people may be familiar with.”
The facility will be another opportunity, he believes, for persons to come to Linden, and to see what the community has to offer.
