David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its new £11.5 million health and fitness club in Bristol, located in the Emersons Green area. The facility, which is the company's 101st club in the UK, aims to provide comprehensive wellness services for families and individuals in the region, creating over 80 new jobs.
The new club is situated on the site of the former Virgin Active facility and has undergone an extensive refurbishment and expansion. It features a wide range of amenities, including state-of-the-art gym equipment, swimming pools, tennis courts, and dedicated family areas, reflecting the company's focus on a holistic approach to health and leisure.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £11.5 million to open a new club in Bristol's Emersons Green.
- The project has created more than 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local community.
- The facility includes a 1,000 sqm gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and extensive racquet sports courts.
- Specialized zones like the adults-only 'Clubroom' and family-friendly 'Clubroom Cafe Bar' cater to different member needs.
- The opening marks David Lloyd's 101st club in the UK and 130th globally.
A Major Investment in Bristol's Leisure Sector
The opening of the David Lloyd Bristol Emersons Green club represents a significant investment in the local economy. The £11.5 million project involved a complete transformation of the previous facility, expanding its footprint and upgrading all its features to meet modern standards.
This development is expected to have a positive impact on the community by providing both high-quality leisure amenities and new employment opportunities. According to company statements, the club has generated over 80 new jobs, ranging from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and maintenance roles.
Jack Saunderson, the General Manager of the new club, highlighted the community focus. "Our new club is a fantastic addition to the local area, offering a unique and unrivalled range of facilities for families and individuals of all ages," he said. "We are thrilled to have created so many new jobs and have been able to recruit a brilliant team from the local community."
Comprehensive Facilities for Fitness and Wellness
The new club offers a diverse range of facilities designed to cater to a wide audience. The centerpiece is a 1,000 square metre gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology, including cutting-edge Boditrax body composition analysis tools.
Fitness and Swimming Amenities
Members have access to a variety of workout options. The gym is complemented by four specialized fitness studios offering over 130 classes per week. These include high-intensity Blaze classes, group cycling, Mind & Body sessions, and the David Lloyd Signature class series.
For swimmers, the club provides both a 25-metre indoor pool and a 20-metre heated outdoor pool. These facilities support lane swimming, family sessions, and aqua aerobics classes. A luxurious indoor spa area with a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool offers a space for relaxation and recovery.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £11.5 million
- Gym Size: 1,000 sqm
- Jobs Created: 80+
- Swimming Pools: 1 indoor (25m), 1 outdoor (20m)
- Tennis Courts: 3 indoor, 3 outdoor
- Badminton Courts: 4
- Squash Courts: 2
Racquet Sports and Family Services
Racquet sports are a key feature of the new club. It includes three indoor tennis courts, three outdoor tennis courts, four badminton courts, and two squash courts. The club offers coaching programs for both adults and children, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Families are a primary focus for David Lloyd. The facility includes a dedicated DL Kids area with activities scheduled around the club's group class timetable. There is also an outdoor play area and a soft-play frame for younger children, ensuring activities are available for all family members.
Designing Spaces for Work and Socializing
Beyond fitness, the Emersons Green club is designed to be a social hub. It features two distinct 'Clubroom' areas to accommodate different member needs. The main Clubroom Cafe Bar is a family-friendly space for meals and socializing.
In addition, an adults-only 'Clubroom' provides a quiet environment for members to work, relax, or socialize. This space includes a business hub with workstations, reinforcing the club's role as a versatile lifestyle destination where members can integrate work, fitness, and social life.
"We are excited to welcome members to our new club and help them achieve their health and wellness goals. The range of facilities and activities on offer is second to none," stated Jack Saunderson, General Manager.
The design philosophy aims to create a 'third space' for members—a place that is neither home nor work, but a comfortable environment for leisure and productivity. This approach is becoming increasingly important as more people adopt flexible working arrangements.
About David Lloyd Leisure
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe. The company operates 130 clubs, with 101 in the UK and 29 across mainland Europe. It serves over 730,000 members and employs approximately 8,600 people. The company's model focuses on providing premium, family-oriented facilities that combine fitness, wellness, and social activities.
Impact on the Local Community
The launch of the David Lloyd club is a notable development for the Emersons Green area and the wider Bristol community. The creation of jobs is a direct economic benefit, providing employment in a growing sector. Furthermore, the availability of such a comprehensive facility can promote healthier lifestyles among residents.
Local officials often view such investments favorably, as they enhance the amenities available to the community and can make an area more attractive to new residents and businesses. The club's emphasis on family activities also provides a valuable resource for parents and children in the region.
The club's opening comes at a time when public awareness of physical and mental well-being is high. Facilities that offer a combination of exercise, relaxation, and social interaction are well-positioned to meet this demand. The long-term success of the club will depend on its ability to integrate into the community and consistently deliver a high-quality member experience.