David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its 104th UK club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, following a significant £17 million investment. The new facility, which created 80 local jobs, introduces a wide range of health, wellness, and family-oriented amenities to the area.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Bicester, Oxfordshire, representing a £17 million investment.
- The development has generated 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local community.
- The club features a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and both tennis and padel courts.
- The facility is designed to cater to families with dedicated DL Kids activities and a family-friendly Clubroom.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new David Lloyd Club is located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, a strategic site chosen for its accessibility and growth potential. The £17 million project underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence and investing in high-quality leisure infrastructure across the UK.
Construction on the site began over 18 months ago, transforming the area into a comprehensive wellness destination. The club's opening is a notable addition to Bicester's local economy, not only through job creation but also by providing a premium facility for residents.
Who is David Lloyd Leisure?
David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe, operating 133 clubs across nine countries. The company was founded in 1982 and is known for its family-friendly clubs that combine fitness facilities with social spaces and racquet sports.
The creation of 80 new jobs covers a range of roles, from fitness coaches and spa therapists to administrative and hospitality staff. This provides a welcome boost to local employment opportunities in the growing town of Bicester.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Relaxation
The Bicester club offers a comprehensive array of modern facilities designed to cater to a wide range of members, from serious athletes to families seeking active leisure time.
State-of-the-Art Gymnasium
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is a large, modern gym equipped with the latest technology from Technogym. Members have access to a variety of cardiovascular machines, strength training equipment, and a dedicated free weights area. The gym floor is designed to accommodate all fitness levels and training styles.
In addition to the main gym, there are several specialized fitness studios. These include a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) studio, a Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a group cycling studio. The club plans to offer over 100 group exercise classes each week.
Facility at a Glance
- Investment: £17 million
- Total Jobs: 80
- Gym Equipment: Technogym
- Group Classes: 100+ per week
- Pools: 25m indoor, 20m outdoor
- Racquet Sports: 3 tennis courts, 3 padel courts
Swimming and Spa Amenities
A key attraction is the club's extensive aquatic and spa facilities. Members can use a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The outdoor pool area is complemented by a patio and sun loungers for use in warmer months.
The spa, known as the Spa Retreat, is designed as a luxury wellness sanctuary. It includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and an ice fountain. These facilities are intended to aid relaxation and muscle recovery after exercise.
"Our goal was to create more than just a gym; we wanted to build a premium destination for the entire family to focus on their health and wellbeing," said the club's new General Manager. "The Spa Retreat, in particular, offers a level of quality that is unique to this area."
Focus on Racquet Sports and Family Activities
Staying true to its heritage, the new David Lloyd Club places a strong emphasis on racquet sports. The facility includes three indoor tennis courts and, significantly, three new Padel courts. Padel, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has seen a rapid increase in popularity across the UK.
The inclusion of Padel courts reflects a strategic move to cater to emerging sports trends and attract a new demographic of players. Coaching programs will be available for both tennis and Padel for adults and children.
Dedicated Spaces for Families
The club is structured to be highly family-friendly. The DL Kids program will offer a schedule of supervised activities for children, including sports coaching, arts and crafts, and other games. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are engaged in safe and structured play.
The Clubroom serves as the social hub of the facility. It features an indoor and outdoor dining area, a business zone for remote working, and a designated family area. The menu is designed to offer healthy meals and refreshments for all ages.
Impact on the Bicester Community
The opening of the David Lloyd Club is seen as a positive development for Bicester, a town that has experienced significant residential and commercial growth in recent years. The facility provides a much-needed high-end leisure amenity for the expanding population.
According to a regional director for David Lloyd Leisure, the choice of Bicester was deliberate. "Bicester is a dynamic and growing community, and we saw a clear demand for a premium health and wellness facility here. We are excited to become part of the local fabric and contribute to the town's active lifestyle."
The club's location in the Catalyst Bicester park, which focuses on technology and advanced manufacturing, also provides a convenient wellness option for employees of neighboring businesses. This aligns with a growing corporate focus on employee wellbeing.
The new club began accepting members several months prior to its official opening and reported strong initial interest from the local community, indicating a high level of anticipation for the new services and facilities.