David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health, spa, and racquets club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, following a £14 million investment. The new facility, located at the Bicester Business Park, has created approximately 100 new jobs and offers a wide range of premium wellness and fitness amenities for families and individuals.
The club is the 103rd location for David Lloyd in the UK and represents a significant addition to the local community's leisure infrastructure. It features extensive facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and numerous racquet courts, catering to a growing demand for comprehensive wellness services in the region.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Bicester, Oxfordshire, representing a £14 million investment.
- The facility has created around 100 full-time and part-time jobs in the local area.
- Key features include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury 'Spa Retreat', 10 tennis courts, and dedicated family zones.
- The club is part of the Bicester Business Park development and is the company's 103rd UK location.
A Significant Investment in Bicester's Community
The development of the Bicester club is one of David Lloyd Leisure's most significant recent projects. The £14 million investment underscores the company's confidence in the Bicester area as a key growth market. Construction of the facility took approximately 18 months to complete, transforming a section of the Bicester Business Park into a modern leisure destination.
Company officials stated that the location was chosen due to Bicester's rapid expansion and its reputation as a vibrant community. The club aims to provide a premium leisure experience that was previously unavailable in the immediate area, serving residents of Bicester and the surrounding North Oxfordshire towns.
The facility's design focuses on providing a premium and spacious environment. It incorporates modern architectural elements with a focus on natural light and open-plan areas, designed to enhance the member experience. The club is expected to attract a diverse membership base, from young professionals to families and active retirees.
Extensive Fitness and Wellness Facilities
The new David Lloyd Club in Bicester offers an extensive array of amenities designed to cater to various fitness and relaxation needs. The facilities are spread across a large, purpose-built complex with distinct zones for different activities.
Racquet Sports and Fitness Areas
A central feature of the club is its comprehensive racquet sports offering. Members have access to a total of 10 tennis courts, including both indoor and outdoor options, allowing for year-round play. Additionally, the club includes facilities for badminton and squash.
The club's fitness area includes over 100 pieces of modern gym equipment, featuring the latest from brands like Life Fitness and Technogym. It also houses dedicated zones for functional training, free weights, and cardio.
Beyond the main gym floor, the Bicester location offers several specialized studios. These include a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) studio, a tranquil Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a group cycling studio. According to the club's schedule, over 120 classes will be offered each week.
Swimming Pools and Spa Retreat
Water-based activities are a cornerstone of the new facility. The club boasts both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for swimming in all seasons. A separate, shallower indoor pool is designated for children's swimming lessons and family splash time.
A key attraction is the luxurious Spa Retreat, an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. This area includes:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas and steam rooms with different themes
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden with a sauna and relaxation zones
This extensive spa facility is designed to compete with high-end day spas, offering members a comprehensive wellness experience within their club membership.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
The opening of the David Lloyd Club has provided a notable economic boost to Bicester. The creation of approximately 100 new jobs is a significant contribution to local employment. Roles range from fitness instructors and spa therapists to administrative staff and management positions.
"We are thrilled to bring our world-class facilities to Bicester," said Michelle Chambers, the newly appointed General Manager. "Our goal is to be more than just a gym; we want to be a central part of the community where families and individuals can spend quality time together, focusing on their health and wellbeing."
The club has also established partnerships with local suppliers for its food and beverage operations, further integrating into the local economy. The on-site 'Clubroom' offers a restaurant and café environment for members to socialize, work, or relax after a workout, with a menu focused on fresh and healthy options.
David Lloyd Leisure Group
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe. The company operates 132 clubs, with 103 in the UK and 29 more across mainland Europe. It serves over 730,000 members and employs around 8,000 people. The group's strategy focuses on providing premium, family-oriented facilities.
Family-Oriented Services and Membership
A key part of the David Lloyd model is its focus on family-friendly services. The Bicester club includes dedicated areas for children, known as 'DL Kids', which offer activities and coaching for various age groups. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are supervised and engaged in active play.
The club also runs coaching programs for both tennis and swimming, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced. These programs are designed for both adults and children, reinforcing the club's position as a hub for family activity.
Membership options are structured to accommodate different needs, with packages for individuals, couples, and families. While positioned as a premium offering, the club's management has stated that its pricing is competitive for the extensive range of facilities provided. The initial membership drive has reportedly been very successful, indicating strong local demand.