David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest facility in Shawford Park, Winchester, following a £15 million investment. The new premium health, wellness, and racquets club has created over 100 new jobs and offers a wide range of state-of-the-art amenities for members.
Key Takeaways
- New Facility: David Lloyd Clubs has opened a new location in Shawford Park, Winchester.
- Significant Investment: The project represents a £15 million investment in the local area.
- Job Creation: Over 100 full-time and part-time jobs have been created, ranging from management to fitness and hospitality roles.
- Extensive Amenities: The club features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, 10 tennis courts, a state-of-the-art gym, and dedicated family facilities.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The opening marks the culmination of a two-year construction project on the outskirts of Winchester. The £15 million development transforms a previously underutilized site into a modern wellness destination. According to company statements, the investment reflects David Lloyd's confidence in the growing demand for premium family-oriented leisure facilities.
Construction began in early 2022 and was completed on schedule. The project involved extensive landscaping to integrate the facility with the surrounding Shawford Park area, preserving natural elements while introducing modern architecture. The club aims to serve residents from Winchester and the surrounding Hampshire communities.
Background on David Lloyd Clubs
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Clubs operates over 130 clubs across the UK and Europe. The company is known for its large-scale, family-focused facilities that combine fitness, racquets, and social spaces. This new Winchester location is part of a broader strategy of expansion into key regional markets.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The Shawford Park club spans over 12,000 square meters and is designed to cater to a wide range of wellness and leisure activities. The facilities are among the most advanced in the David Lloyd network, incorporating the latest fitness technology and design principles.
Fitness and Training Areas
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is the expansive gymnasium, which is divided into specialized zones. It features the latest equipment from leading brands, including a large free-weights area, functional training rigs, and a dedicated cardio section with interactive screens.
Additionally, the club offers three distinct group exercise studios: a high-impact studio for classes like BLAZE, a holistic studio for yoga and Pilates, and a cycle hub for indoor cycling workouts. The class timetable includes over 120 weekly classes for members of all fitness levels.
By the Numbers
- Investment: £15 million
- Jobs Created: 100+
- Total Area: 12,000 sq meters
- Tennis Courts: 10 (5 indoor, 5 outdoor)
- Swimming Pools: 3 (2 indoor, 1 outdoor)
Aquatics and Spa Facilities
A significant portion of the investment was dedicated to the club's aquatic and relaxation areas. Members have access to a 25-meter indoor lap pool and a shallower indoor family pool. During warmer months, a 20-meter outdoor pool with a sun terrace provides a resort-like experience.
The luxury spa, known as the Spa Retreat, is a key feature. It is an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and recovery. Facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, multiple saunas, steam rooms, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds. Spa treatments are also available for booking.
More Than Just a Gym: A Family and Social Hub
David Lloyd Clubs positions its locations as community hubs, and the Shawford Park facility is no exception. The design emphasizes spaces for families and social interaction alongside the fitness areas.
"Our goal was to create a second home for our members. It's a place where they can work out, relax, socialize, and spend quality time with their families. We've seen a growing need for spaces that support a balanced lifestyle, and Shawford Park is our answer to that," said Sarah Jenkins, the new General Manager for the club.
For families, the club includes a dedicated DL Kids area with a full schedule of supervised activities, allowing parents to use the facilities while their children are engaged. There is also a soft-play area for younger children and an outdoor playground.
The Clubroom serves as the social heart of the facility. It features a restaurant and bar with both indoor and outdoor seating, offering a full menu throughout the day. For professionals, the club includes a dedicated business lounge with workstations, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary refreshments, catering to the rise in flexible working.
Economic Impact and Local Reaction
The creation of over 100 jobs has been a significant boost for the local economy. Roles filled include fitness instructors, tennis coaches, spa therapists, hospitality staff, and management positions. The company focused on local recruitment to fill the majority of these roles.
Local officials have welcomed the development. A spokesperson for Winchester City Council noted the project's positive contribution to the area's amenities and employment landscape. The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Winchester as a desirable place to live and do business.
The club began selling memberships several months prior to opening and has reported strong initial interest from the community. The opening weekend saw hundreds of new members visit the facility for the first time, participating in introductory classes and tours. The full impact on the local community will become clearer as the club establishes itself over the coming months.