The Relaxation Centre could close by the end of the year unless a wealthy benefactor is found to buy the former Clifton townhouse as a loss-making venture.

Owner Richard Hicks is retiring and needs to withdraw the capital tied up in the building.

The problem is that the value of the building outstrips the current scale of operation of the business, making it a tricky proposition for any prospective buyer.

In an email sent yesterday, Relaxation Centre director Bernadette Ryder said: “we need your help to keep the centre going. Unless we find someone with the means and the will to buy the very valuable building that is our home, in order to build on the work we do, we will cease trading on November 30, 2013.”

She added: “What we need is simple. A new owner; someone with:

• The vision to see worth of the service the RC offers;
• The means to buy the building;
• The will to see the Centre continue, develop and thrive.
• We also hope that that someone values the community through which the project is manifested, shares our ethos and is willing to work with us.”