David Lloyd Leisure has announced a significant expansion in the North West of England with a new £20 million club set to open in Manchester. The project is expected to create approximately 150 new jobs and will feature a wide range of health, wellness, and leisure facilities for families and individuals.
The state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2024, represents one of the company's largest investments in the region in recent years. It aims to provide a premium destination for fitness and relaxation, catering to growing consumer demand for comprehensive wellness services.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure is investing £20 million in a new multi-purpose club in Manchester.
- The development is projected to create 150 full-time and part-time employment opportunities.
- Spanning over 100,000 square feet, the club will offer extensive fitness, spa, and family-oriented facilities.
- The official opening is planned for late 2024, targeting the pre-winter wellness market.
A Major Investment in Regional Wellness
The new Manchester club is a cornerstone of David Lloyd's current UK expansion strategy. The £20 million investment underscores the company's confidence in the region's economic vitality and the increasing local demand for high-quality health and leisure amenities.
Construction on the site is already underway, with the project focusing on creating a modern, energy-efficient building. The facility will occupy a large footprint, designed to accommodate thousands of members upon completion.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A significant benefit of this project is its contribution to the local economy. The creation of 150 jobs will span various roles, including fitness instructors, spa therapists, hospitality staff, and management positions. This provides a welcome boost to the local employment market.
Local officials have praised the development for its potential to attract further investment and provide valuable community resources. The club is expected to become a central hub for health and social activities in the area.
Who is David Lloyd Leisure?
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is one of Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure groups. The company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe, serving more than 730,000 members. Its clubs are known for offering a broad range of facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and spa services, often with a strong family focus.
Inside the New Manchester Facility
The Manchester club is designed to be a comprehensive destination. According to the company's plans, the facility will offer a wide array of services and amenities tailored to meet diverse wellness needs.
Members will have access to a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology, multiple exercise studios for group classes, and dedicated zones for different types of training like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and mind-body wellness.
Facility by the Numbers
- Total Area: 100,000+ square feet
- Swimming Pools: 1 indoor (25m), 1 outdoor (20m)
- Tennis Courts: 5 indoor, 3 outdoor
- Spa Area: 15,000 square feet
- New Jobs: Approximately 150
Family and Relaxation Amenities
A key feature of the new club will be its extensive family offerings. This includes a dedicated DL Kids club with activity rooms and a soft play area. The facility will also feature both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, making it a year-round attraction.
For relaxation, the club will house a luxurious spa retreat. This area will include a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pools, and several treatment rooms offering a range of wellness therapies. The integration of these services aligns with the growing trend of holistic well-being.
"Our goal is to create more than just a gym; we are building a community destination where families can spend quality time together while focusing on their health. This £20 million investment in Manchester reflects our commitment to providing best-in-class facilities across the UK," a spokesperson for David Lloyd Leisure stated.
Strategic Location and Member Services
The club's location has been strategically chosen to be easily accessible to a large residential population. In addition to fitness and spa facilities, the site will include a Clubroom café and restaurant, offering healthy dining options for members.
Another modern feature will be the inclusion of a dedicated business and co-working lounge. This space will provide members with a quiet area to work, complete with high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations, catering to the rise in flexible and remote working arrangements.
Membership and Opening Details
David Lloyd Leisure is expected to launch a pre-opening membership drive in the summer of 2024. This will offer founder members preferential rates ahead of the official opening later in the year.
The company has a history of its new clubs reaching high membership capacity shortly after opening, and similar demand is anticipated for the new Manchester location. The project is currently on track to meet its planned Q4 2024 opening date.