David Lloyd Leisure has expanded its UK presence with the opening of a new £33.5 million luxury health and wellness club in Cricklewood, North London. The 94,000-square-foot facility, which began welcoming members in early June 2024, has created approximately 100 new jobs in the local community.
The new club is the company's 104th in the United Kingdom and represents a significant investment in premium fitness and leisure amenities. It features extensive facilities for fitness, relaxation, and family activities, including dedicated spaces for the increasingly popular sport of padel.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new club in Cricklewood, North London, following a £33.5 million investment.
- The new 94,000 sq ft facility has generated around 100 local jobs.
- Key features include a state-of-the-art spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and extensive racquet sports facilities with four indoor padel courts.
- The club is the 104th David Lloyd location in the UK, signaling continued expansion in the premium health and wellness sector.
A Major Investment in London's Wellness Sector
The development of the Cricklewood club underscores a broader trend of investment in high-end health and wellness facilities. The £33.5 million project transformed the site into a comprehensive center for fitness, relaxation, and social engagement. According to company statements, the goal was to create a premium destination for individuals and families in the North London area.
This opening follows a period of strategic growth for David Lloyd Leisure. The company has focused on upgrading existing clubs and identifying new locations for expansion. The Cricklewood site was chosen for its accessibility and the opportunity to serve a large residential community.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Investment: £33.5 million
- Facility Size: 94,000 square feet
- New Jobs Created: Approximately 100
- UK Club Number: 104th
- Padel Courts: 4 indoor
- Tennis Courts: 9 total (5 indoor, 4 outdoor)
Kristen Westwood, the General Manager of the new club, highlighted the team's excitement. She noted the significant local interest and the positive reception from new members. The creation of 100 jobs provides a notable boost to the local economy, offering roles in fitness instruction, hospitality, and club management.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Racquet Sports
The Cricklewood club offers a wide range of fitness options designed to cater to various preferences and goals. The main gymnasium is equipped with modern cardio machines, an extensive free weights area, and dedicated functional training zones. This setup allows for diverse workout styles, from traditional strength training to more dynamic, full-body exercises.
In addition to the main gym, the facility includes three specialized group exercise studios:
- Mind & Body Studio: A space designed for holistic classes such as yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- High Energy Studio: For fast-paced, intensive classes like HIIT and aerobics.
- Cyclone Studio: A dedicated indoor cycling studio for immersive group spin classes.
A significant focus of the new club is its extensive offering for racquet sports enthusiasts. It features five indoor tennis courts and four outdoor courts, allowing for year-round play. Recognizing the rapid growth of padel, the club also includes four indoor padel courts, making it a key destination for players of the sport in London.
The Rise of Padel Tennis
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on an enclosed court about a third of the size of a tennis court. Its popularity has surged globally due to its social nature and relatively easy learning curve compared to tennis. The inclusion of four indoor courts at the Cricklewood club reflects the high demand for this sport in the UK.
Advanced Spa and Wellness Amenities
A central feature of the David Lloyd Cricklewood club is its expansive spa, branded as The Spa Retreat. This area is designed to provide a comprehensive wellness and relaxation experience, moving beyond standard post-workout recovery.
The spa includes a variety of thermal experiences to promote health and well-being. Members have access to a hydrotherapy pool, multiple saunas with different temperature and humidity levels, and a steam room. Unique features not commonly found in standard gyms include a dedicated ice cave for cold therapy, a salt cave for halotherapy, and a deep relaxation room.
"Our investment in David Lloyd Cricklewood is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional health, wellness and fitness facilities for the whole family," said Russell Barnes, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure. He emphasized the club's role as a place for members to prioritize their physical and mental well-being.
The club also features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The 20-meter indoor pool is suitable for lane swimming and lessons, while the outdoor pool area provides a space for leisure and relaxation during warmer months. These facilities are complemented by dedicated swimming options for children.
Family-Friendly Features and Modern Workspaces
David Lloyd has consistently positioned its clubs as family-friendly destinations, and the Cricklewood location continues this model. The site includes a dedicated DL Kids facility with a variety of scheduled activities for children, allowing parents to use the club's other amenities.
The club also caters to the growing trend of flexible working. A modern business hub provides a quiet and professional environment for members who need to work remotely. This space is equipped with workstations, charging points, and Wi-Fi, integrating work and wellness under one roof.
The social aspect of the club is centered around the Clubroom, a large restaurant and lounge area. It serves a full menu throughout the day, providing a space for members to socialize, dine with family, or have informal meetings. An outdoor patio area offers additional seating, creating a resort-like atmosphere.
With its comprehensive range of facilities, the new David Lloyd club in Cricklewood aims to be more than just a gym. It is designed as a multi-purpose destination for fitness, work, family time, and social connection, reflecting the evolving demands of the modern consumer in the leisure industry.