David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its new £11 million health, spa, and racquets club in Rugby, Warwickshire. The facility, developed in partnership with Rugby School, has created 80 new local jobs and introduces a range of premium fitness and wellness amenities to the community.
The new club is the 103rd location for the David Lloyd group in the UK and its 133rd globally. Situated on the grounds of the historic Rugby School, the facility will serve both club members and the school's students, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and specialized training programs.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £11 million in a new premium health and wellness club in Rugby, Warwickshire.
- The project has resulted in the creation of 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local area.
- The facility is a partnership with Rugby School and will be used by both members and students.
- Amenities include a 100+ station gym, multiple fitness studios, indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, and both tennis and padel courts.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness and Employment
The opening of the David Lloyd Rugby club marks a significant investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. The £11 million project underscores the company's commitment to expanding its footprint and offering high-quality wellness services. This development has already had a positive impact on the local economy through the creation of 80 new jobs, ranging from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and operations.
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of the new club, highlighted the community focus of the new establishment. "We are thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome the local community into our new club," he stated. Phillips emphasized the goal of creating a space where families and individuals can prioritize their health and well-being.
"Our team is ready to help our members, whether they are taking their first steps into fitness or are looking to achieve a new personal best. David Lloyd Rugby is set up to be far more than just a gym."
The facility is designed to be a comprehensive destination for health, fitness, and relaxation, catering to a wide range of ages and fitness levels. This approach aims to establish the club as a central hub for the Rugby community.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Unique Offerings
The new club provides an extensive array of modern amenities designed to meet diverse fitness and relaxation needs. The centerpiece is a large, 100+ station gymnasium equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands.
Beyond the main gym floor, the club features several specialized studios for group exercise. These include:
- A dedicated BLAZE studio for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes.
- The IGN1TE studio, which hosts a variety of mixed martial arts-inspired workouts.
- A SPIRIT studio for holistic classes such as yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- A purpose-built indoor cycling studio for high-energy spin classes.
Introducing Padel to Rugby
A key feature of the new club is the inclusion of padel courts. Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing sports globally. The introduction of these courts provides Rugby residents with a new and exciting recreational activity.
The aquatic facilities are equally impressive, with both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool. These are complemented by a luxurious spa area, which includes a hydro pool, sauna, steam room, and heated relaxation beds, offering members a complete wellness experience.
A Strategic Partnership with Rugby School
The development of the David Lloyd Rugby club is the result of a strategic partnership with the renowned Rugby School. The club is located on school grounds, and its facilities will be integrated into the school's sports and wellness programs, providing students with access to elite training resources.
About David Lloyd Leisure Group
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe. It operates 133 clubs, with 103 in the UK and 30 more across mainland Europe. The company employs approximately 8,100 people and serves over 750,000 members, focusing on providing premium, family-oriented fitness and wellness environments.
Peter Green, Executive Head Master of the Rugby School Group, commented on the collaboration. "This is a very exciting project, which has been five years in the making," he said. He noted that the partnership provides the school with outstanding sports facilities that will benefit pupils for many years to come.
Benefits for Students and the Community
According to the agreement, Rugby School pupils will have dedicated access to the club's facilities during curriculum time. This includes the swimming pools, fitness studios, and racket courts. The collaboration aims to enhance the school's physical education offerings and support the development of its student-athletes.
Michelle Luxford, New Openings Director at David Lloyd Leisure, spoke about the dual benefit of the partnership. "We are delighted to be working with Rugby School to create not only a fantastic club for our members but also a world-class sports facility for a world-class school," she explained. This model allows for shared use of high-cost facilities, benefiting both a private institution and the wider public.
Designed for Family and Community Engagement
A core part of the David Lloyd brand is its focus on family. The Rugby club is designed to be a welcoming space for all ages. It includes dedicated DL Kids facilities that offer a range of activities and coaching sessions for children. This allows parents to use the gym or attend classes while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
The club also features a spacious Clubroom and outdoor patio area. This social space serves as a café, restaurant, and workspace, encouraging members to relax, socialize, and work remotely. The provision of high-speed Wi-Fi and comfortable seating makes it a versatile environment suitable for both post-workout meals and informal business meetings.
The overall design aims to foster a strong sense of community among members. By offering services that extend beyond fitness, such as dining and social spaces, the club positions itself as a lifestyle destination rather than just a place to exercise. This comprehensive approach is central to David Lloyd's strategy for member retention and engagement.