David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and racquets club in Northwood, following a £30 million investment into the local area. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to create over 150 jobs and provide a comprehensive wellness destination for families and professionals.
The new club, which began welcoming members this week, features a wide range of premium fitness and lifestyle amenities. These include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, tennis courts, and dedicated spaces for children and remote workers, positioning it as a significant addition to the community's leisure infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £30 million in a new club located in Northwood.
- The project has created more than 150 permanent jobs in the local community.
- The facility includes premium amenities such as a luxury spa, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a dedicated business hub.
- The club aims to provide a comprehensive wellness and lifestyle experience for individuals and families.
A Significant Investment in Local Wellness
The development of the Northwood David Lloyd Club represents one of the company's most substantial investments in a new site in recent years. The £30 million project was completed over a 24-month construction period, transforming a previously underutilized commercial site into a modern wellness center.
According to the company, the investment underscores its confidence in the demand for premium health and leisure facilities outside of major city centers. The Northwood location was chosen strategically to serve a growing suburban population seeking high-quality, family-friendly amenities close to home.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Investment: £30 million
- Jobs Created: 150+
- Construction Period: 24 months
- Facility Size: 100,000 sq ft
- Tennis Courts: 10 (5 indoor, 5 outdoor)
- Swimming Pools: 3 (Indoor, Outdoor, Kids)
The club's general manager, Sarah Jenkins, emphasized the focus on creating a premium experience. "Our goal was to build more than just a gym; we wanted to create a lifestyle destination," she stated in a press release. "This investment reflects our commitment to providing the best possible facilities for our members to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing."
Comprehensive Facilities for All Ages
The Northwood club is designed to cater to a diverse membership base, from young families to working professionals and retirees. The extensive range of facilities is a core part of its value proposition, offering activities and spaces for everyone.
Fitness and Racquets
At the heart of the club is a large, open-plan gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology from brands like Technogym and Life Fitness. The gym floor is zoned into areas for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. In addition, there are three dedicated group exercise studios offering over 100 classes per week, including yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club boasts ten championship-standard tennis courts. Five of these are indoor acrylic courts, allowing for year-round play, while the five outdoor courts feature a synthetic clay surface. The club also includes three badminton courts and two squash courts.
Aquatics and Spa
A major highlight is the comprehensive aquatics offering. The facility includes a 25-meter indoor lap pool and a heated 20-meter outdoor swimming pool, which is open throughout the year. A separate, shallower indoor pool is designated for children's swimming lessons and family splash time.
Adjacent to the aquatic area is the luxury Spa Retreat. This adults-only section includes:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas and steam rooms
- An ice fountain and experience showers
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden with a lounge area
"The Spa Retreat is designed as a sanctuary for members to relax and rejuvenate. We've seen a growing demand for wellness spaces that go beyond fitness, and this facility is our response to that need."
Economic Impact and Community Integration
The opening of the David Lloyd Club is a significant economic event for Northwood. The creation of over 150 new jobs spans a range of roles, from fitness instructors and spa therapists to administrative and maintenance staff. The company has focused on hiring from the local community, providing a boost to the area's employment figures.
Who are David Lloyd Clubs?
David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe, founded in 1982. The company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe. Its model focuses on providing premium, family-oriented facilities that combine fitness, racquets, swimming, and social spaces.
Local officials have welcomed the development. Councillor James Peterson, representing the Northwood Business Development Council, commented on the club's impact. "This is a fantastic investment in our community. Not only does it provide world-class leisure facilities for our residents, but the job creation and increased local spending will benefit the entire area."
A Hub for Families and Professionals
Beyond fitness, the club is designed to function as a community hub. The dedicated DL Kids area offers activities for children aged 3 months to 16 years, including sports coaching, arts and crafts, and a soft-play area. This allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are supervised.
Another modern feature is the Clubroom, a spacious café, bar, and restaurant area with an outdoor terrace. It serves as a social space for members to meet and relax. Integrated within this area is a dedicated business hub, offering workstations, free Wi-Fi, and charging points, catering to the rise in flexible and remote working.
This combination of facilities aims to make the club an integral part of members' daily lives, extending its function beyond a place for exercise into a social and professional environment.
The Future of Premium Leisure
The Northwood club incorporates several forward-thinking features, including sustainable design elements like solar panels on the roof and electric vehicle charging stations in the car park. The club also utilizes a digital app for class bookings, activity tracking, and member communication, enhancing the user experience.
With its comprehensive offering, the David Lloyd Club in Northwood sets a new standard for leisure facilities in the region. Its success will likely serve as a blueprint for future developments as the demand for holistic wellness and lifestyle clubs continues to grow.
As Sarah Jenkins concluded, "We are thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome the Northwood community. We believe this club will play a positive role in the lives of our members for many years to come." The club is now open, with various membership packages available for individuals, couples, and families.