David Lloyd Leisure has opened its 134th club in Rugby, Warwickshire, creating approximately 80 new jobs for the local community. The new facility, situated on the redeveloped land of a former cement works, offers extensive health, wellness, and fitness amenities for families and individuals.
The multi-million pound development is part of the Houlton housing project and represents a significant investment in the area's leisure infrastructure. The club officially opened its doors to members, providing a wide range of services from swimming pools and tennis courts to a luxury spa and dedicated children's areas.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Rugby, Warwickshire, as part of the Houlton development.
- The facility has created approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local area.
- Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a large gym, a spa, and family-friendly spaces.
- The club is the 134th in the David Lloyd Leisure portfolio and its first new opening in the UK since 2022.
New Facility Details and Local Impact
The new David Lloyd Club in Rugby is a major addition to the local leisure scene. Located off the Link Road at Houlton, the facility is strategically placed to serve the growing community of the new 6,200-home development and the wider Rugby area.
Construction of the club was a significant undertaking, representing a substantial financial investment in the region. The opening has resulted in the creation of around 80 jobs, spanning roles from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and administration. This provides a welcome boost to local employment.
According to the company, the club aims to be a premium destination for health and wellness. Stuart Caswell, the General Manager, stated that the goal was to create a community hub where families could spend quality time together while pursuing their fitness goals.
A Look at the Amenities
The Rugby club boasts a comprehensive set of features designed to cater to a diverse membership base. The facilities are divided into several key zones, each offering specialized equipment and services.
Key features of the new club include:
- Fitness and Gym: A 10,000 square foot gymnasium equipped with modern cardio and strength training machines.
- Swimming Pools: A 25-meter indoor pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming.
- Racquet Sports: Four tennis courts and three Padel courts, catering to the growing popularity of the sport.
- Spa Facilities: The luxury spa area, known as the Spa Retreat, includes a hydro pool, sauna, steam room, and heated beds.
- Group Exercise: Multiple studios for classes such as yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Family Areas: A dedicated DL Kids area for children's activities and a family-friendly Clubroom for dining.
Did You Know?
David Lloyd Leisure operates 103 clubs in the UK and an additional 31 clubs across mainland Europe. The Rugby location is its first new club opening in the United Kingdom since David Lloyd Worcester opened in 2022.
Strategic Location and Community Integration
The club's location within the Houlton development is a key part of its strategy. The Houlton project, a collaboration between master developers Urban&Civic and Aviva Investors, is transforming the former Rugby Radio Station site into a large residential community.
The inclusion of a major leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is intended to provide essential social infrastructure for the new residents. It serves as an anchor amenity, making the development more attractive to prospective homeowners and contributing to the creation of a self-sustaining community.
"Our aim is for the club to be a real community hub, where families and friends can come together to stay active, socialise and relax," said Stuart Caswell, General Manager of the new club. "The level of investment and the sheer range of facilities and expertise on offer is unlike anything else in the area."
The club is expected to draw members not only from Houlton but also from Rugby and surrounding villages. Its opening reflects a growing demand for premium health and wellness facilities that offer more than just a standard gym experience.
About the Houlton Development
The Houlton development is one of the largest housing projects in the region. Situated on the site of the historic Rugby Radio Station, the project plans to deliver 6,200 new homes over the next 15-20 years, along with schools, shops, and community facilities. The David Lloyd Club is a cornerstone of the development's leisure and social offerings.
The Broader Health and Wellness Market
The opening of the Rugby club comes at a time when the health and wellness industry is experiencing significant growth. Post-pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer priorities, with a greater emphasis on physical and mental well-being.
David Lloyd Leisure's model, which combines fitness, relaxation, and social spaces, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. By offering a comprehensive package for the entire family, the company appeals to a broader demographic than traditional, fitness-only gyms.
Focus on Family and Inclusivity
A key aspect of the David Lloyd brand is its focus on family. The new Rugby club continues this tradition with extensive facilities for children, including structured activity programs and coaching. This approach allows parents to use the gym or spa while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
The Clubroom serves as a central social space, offering a restaurant and café environment where members can work, socialize, or relax. This integration of lifestyle elements with fitness is a core part of the company's strategy to foster a strong sense of community within its clubs and increase member retention.
The investment in Rugby signals David Lloyd's confidence in the regional market and its commitment to expanding its footprint across the UK. As the Houlton community continues to grow, the club is set to become an integral part of local life.