Investment and Job Creation in East London
David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Stratford, East London, following a significant £25 million investment. The new facility, which opened its doors to members this week, has created approximately 150 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local area, ranging from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and operations roles.
The development represents one of the company's largest investments in a new club in recent years. It aims to provide a premium health, fitness, and leisure destination for families and professionals in the rapidly growing East London community. The project has been under construction for the past 18 months and occupies a purpose-built site near the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Stratford, East London.
- The project involved a £25 million investment and created 150 local jobs.
- Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, and extensive fitness areas.
- The club features dedicated family zones, Padel tennis courts, and a business lounge.
A Comprehensive Range of Facilities
The new Stratford club offers an extensive array of amenities designed to cater to a wide range of wellness and leisure activities. The facility is equipped with both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. These are complemented by a separate indoor splash pool for children.
For fitness enthusiasts, the club includes a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium with advanced equipment from leading manufacturers. The gym is zoned into different areas for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. Additionally, there are four dedicated group exercise studios for classes such as yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Facility by the Numbers
- Total Investment: £25 million
- Gym Size: 10,000 sq ft
- Jobs Created: 150
- Tennis Courts: 5 (3 indoor, 2 outdoor)
- Padel Courts: 3
- Swimming Pools: 3 (Indoor, Outdoor, Kids' Splash Pool)
Specialized Fitness and Racquet Sports
Beyond traditional gym offerings, the club introduces several of David Lloyd's signature programs. This includes a dedicated BLAZE studio, which combines cardio, strength, and combat training in a high-energy boutique-style class. A SPIRIT studio provides a holistic environment for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
Racquet sports are a central feature of the new location. The club boasts five championship-standard tennis courts, with three indoor courts and two outdoor courts. In response to growing demand, the facility also includes three Padel tennis courts, making it one of the largest Padel centers in the area. Certified coaches are available for both tennis and Padel instruction for all age groups and skill levels.
Focus on Wellness and Family Amenities
A significant portion of the club is dedicated to relaxation and recovery. The luxury spa area, known as the Spa Retreat, is an adults-only sanctuary. It features a hydrotherapy pool, multiple saunas, steam rooms, and an ice fountain. The spa is designed to provide a tranquil environment for members to unwind.
"Our goal with the Stratford club was to create a complete wellness destination for the entire family," said Sarah Matthews, the new Club Manager. "We've combined state-of-the-art fitness equipment with premium relaxation spaces and extensive children's programming to ensure there is something for everyone."
Families are a key focus for the new club. A dedicated DL Kids area offers a full schedule of supervised activities for children, including sports, arts and crafts, and specialized coaching sessions. This allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are engaged in safe and structured programs.
The Rise of Padel Tennis
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court. Its popularity has surged across Europe in recent years due to its social nature and accessibility for players of all ages and abilities. The inclusion of three Padel courts at the Stratford club reflects this growing trend in the UK.
Community Hub and Economic Impact
The club is designed to function as more than just a fitness center. The central Clubroom provides a spacious café, bar, and restaurant area for members to socialize and relax. It also features a dedicated business lounge with workstations and complimentary Wi-Fi, catering to professionals who work remotely.
The opening is expected to have a positive economic impact on the local area. The creation of 150 jobs provides significant employment opportunities, and the club is expected to attract members from across several East London boroughs. According to David Lloyd Leisure, the company prioritized hiring from the local community during its recruitment drive.
Stephen Brown, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure, commented on the launch. "Stratford is a vibrant and dynamic part of London, and we are thrilled to bring our world-class facilities to this community. This £25 million investment underscores our commitment to providing premium health and wellness experiences that support the physical and mental wellbeing of our members."