AN exclusive £30million spa, which employs 157 people, has gone into administration less than a year after opening.

The Lifehouse Spa opened its doors in December and has seen a string of celebrities pay a visit, including Kerry Katona, Alexis Jordan, Zoe Salmon and stars from the Only Way is Essex.

But the managing director at the Thorpe spa, Marco Truffelli, confirmed the Lifehouse has gone into administration.

He said: “This comes as a disappointment to Lifehouse supporters, particularly as many guests, members, business partners and the wider local community have been involved since doors first opened nearly a year ago.

“All have engaged with the team in trying to make Lifehouse a viable operation, in what has been a very difficult market.

“The message from the team and the administrators is it is service as usual and they will continue to work with professionalism to ensure the quality of the Lifehouse experience is maintained.”

It will remain open as normal, but administrators, Grant Thornton UK LLP, has taken over management of the Lifehouse and is seeking a buyer.

The 157 staff have all been told about the situation, and have been assured their jobs are not under threat. The number of staff has been reduced over the past year from about 250.

In a statement, bosses said all bookings made and and gift vouchers sold before going into administration will be honoured.

They also hope the Christmas period will provide the spa with a boost in business.

Administrators James Stewart-Koster, David Thurgood and David Dunckley were appointed on Monday.

The purpose-built spa has 89 bedrooms, 35 treatment rooms, a gym, swimming pool and other facilities.

It is located in 130 acre grounds set back from Frinton Road, in Thorpe, which formerly housed a 17th-century manor house.

Plans were launched in the 1990s to create a nursing home on the site, but were eventually scrapped.

Work started on creating the spa in 2009 and £30million was invested in it, before it formally opened on December 13.