David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest facility in Cambridge, a £25 million project designed to integrate advanced technology with health and wellness. The new club, located in the Cambridge Science Park, aims to serve the area's growing population of technology professionals and families with a range of innovative fitness and leisure amenities.
The facility, which spans over 100,000 square feet, introduces several features new to the David Lloyd brand, including AI-powered personal training programs and immersive virtual reality exercise studios. The development has also created more than 150 permanent jobs, contributing to the local economy.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has launched a new £25 million facility in Cambridge Science Park.
- The club incorporates advanced technology, including AI coaching and VR fitness classes.
- It features extensive family-friendly facilities, a luxury spa, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- The project has generated over 150 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local area.
A New Standard in Health and Fitness Facilities
The Cambridge location represents one of David Lloyd Clubs' most significant investments in recent years. The company has stated that the club's design and features were specifically chosen to cater to the tech-savvy community of Cambridge. The facility combines traditional fitness offerings with cutting-edge digital experiences.
Construction on the site began approximately 24 months ago, with a focus on sustainable building practices and energy-efficient systems. The building's architecture features large open spaces, natural light, and dedicated zones for different activities to manage member flow and experience effectively.
Core Fitness and Racquet Sports
At the heart of the club is a state-of-the-art gymnasium equipped with the latest cardio and strength-training machines. In addition to the standard equipment, the club offers a unique AI-driven personal training system. Members can use a dedicated app to receive personalized workout plans that adapt in real-time based on performance data collected from the machines.
Racquet sports, a signature of the David Lloyd brand, are well-represented with:
- Five indoor tennis courts with professional-grade surfaces.
- Three outdoor tennis courts, illuminated for evening play.
- Four badminton courts.
- Two squash courts with integrated digital coaching screens.
About David Lloyd Clubs
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Clubs operates over 130 clubs across the UK and Europe. The company is known for its premium, family-oriented health, sports, and leisure facilities that often include tennis courts, swimming pools, and extensive gymnasiums.
Integration of Technology in Wellness
A key differentiator for the Cambridge club is its deep integration of technology. The goal is to provide a more engaging, personalized, and effective wellness journey for members. This approach moves beyond simple fitness tracking apps and into fully interactive experiences.
One of the most notable additions is the 'Immersive Studio,' a purpose-built space for group exercise classes. It uses floor-to-ceiling screens and a high-fidelity sound system to create virtual environments. Members can participate in a spin class through the Swiss Alps or a yoga session on a virtual beach.
"Our vision for the Cambridge club was to create a space that reflects the innovative spirit of the city itself," said Simon Henderson, CEO of David Lloyd Clubs. "We are not just offering a gym; we are providing a holistic wellness ecosystem powered by technology that makes staying healthy more accessible and enjoyable for everyone."
Personalized Digital Coaching
The AI coaching system, named 'Atlas,' is central to the club's tech offerings. Members undergo an initial 3D body scan and fitness assessment. The system then uses this data to create a dynamic workout program. As the member exercises, sensors in the equipment track progress, form, and exertion levels, allowing the AI to adjust future workouts for optimal results and injury prevention.
This technology is complemented by a team of human personal trainers who use the data to provide more targeted advice and support during one-on-one sessions.
Family and Community Amenities
While technology is a major focus, the club is also designed to be a community hub for families. It includes extensive facilities for children, aiming to provide a comprehensive leisure destination for all ages.
The 'DL Kids' area is a dedicated space with a soft-play structure, a gaming zone for older children, and a crèche for infants. The club offers a structured program of after-school activities and holiday clubs, all included within the family membership packages.
Cambridge Club by the Numbers
- Investment: £25 million
- Total Area: 100,000 sq ft
- New Jobs Created: 150+
- Swimming Pools: 3 (2 indoor, 1 outdoor)
- Tennis Courts: 8 total
- Spa Treatment Rooms: 6
Swimming and Spa Facilities
The aquatic facilities are a significant part of the club. There is a 25-meter indoor lap pool for serious swimmers, a smaller indoor family pool, and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool that will be open year-round. Swimming lessons for both adults and children are a core part of the club's programming.
Adjacent to the pools is the luxury 'Spa Retreat.' This adults-only area includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and an ice fountain. There are also heated relaxation beds and a private outdoor spa garden, providing a quiet space for members to unwind.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The opening of the David Lloyd club in the Cambridge Science Park is a notable economic event for the area. The creation of over 150 jobs, ranging from fitness professionals and spa therapists to administrative and hospitality staff, provides a significant boost to local employment.
The club is expected to attract thousands of members from the surrounding residential areas and the many technology and biotech companies located in the Science Park. Many of these companies have corporate wellness programs, and David Lloyd is reportedly in discussions to establish partnership agreements.
Company officials have indicated that the Cambridge club will serve as a model for future developments. The technologies and concepts trialed here, if successful, may be rolled out to other new and existing clubs across the company's portfolio. This positions the Cambridge site as a live testing ground for the future of the leisure industry.