UPDATE: Macquarie Medi Spa has just unveiled its stunning renovations today, marking a pivotal moment for the business as it solidifies its presence in the Bathurst CBD amid a challenging economic landscape. Owner Karla McDiarmid has committed a significant financial investment to expand the spa, showcasing newly renovated space that now features direct street frontage on Howick Street.
This unveiling, which comes as brick-and-mortar stores continue to struggle, is a clear signal of resilience. The renovations, initiated after purchasing the building in 2023, allow for the merging of front and rear tenancies, providing much-needed space to expand beauty services, particularly advanced skincare.
In a statement, McDiarmid emphasized the urgency of enhancing service offerings, saying, “After COVID, there were no events, so we got rid of makeup. A real growth area is advanced skin, hence the two bigger advanced rooms for the equipment.” The spa will introduce new technology for tattoo removal, radiofrequency, and IPL hair removal in the coming months, further enriching its service portfolio.
Having operated for over 20 years, McDiarmid is passionate about Bathurst and believes that local businesses can thrive. “I get really upset when people are negative about where we live,” she shared. “They don’t realize how lucky we are.” Her commitment to delivering metropolitan-level services locally is clear: “I don’t want to have to go to Sydney for treatments, and that’s why we’ve only got the best here.”
The renovations not only enhance treatment options but also expand retail space, allowing customers to access high-quality products in-person rather than online. McDiarmid stated, “If they keep buying online, they’re going to just keep saying ‘bye-bye’ to retail shops in town.” This initiative supports local shopping and reduces product waste, as customers can test items before purchasing.
Looking ahead, the unveiling today is only the beginning. McDiarmid plans a second phase of renovations in 2026, which will create additional treatment rooms and improve staff amenities. “We just want to focus on stage one first and then updating our staff area,” she confirmed.
With these developments, Macquarie Medi Spa aims to be a “one-stop shop for professional skincare, advice, treatments, and products.” Bathurst residents can look forward to having access to top-tier beauty services right in their community.
This ambitious expansion comes at a crucial time, signaling hope and growth in the region. As the spa opens its doors to a new chapter, it invites the community to join in celebrating this transformation and to experience the enhanced services firsthand.
