David Lloyd Announces £30 Million Club in Essex

David Lloyd Leisure Group has confirmed plans to build a new £30 million health, wellness, and racquets club in Colchester, Essex. The development is expected to create over 150 new jobs and provide a significant boost to the local economy when it opens in late 2025.

The new facility will be located on the former site of a Cuckoo Farm gasworks and will feature a wide range of premium amenities for families and individuals. This investment marks one of the company's largest projects in the UK in recent years, signaling strong confidence in the growing demand for comprehensive wellness services.

Details of the New Colchester Facility

The planned David Lloyd Club in Colchester will cover an area of approximately 14,000 square meters. The company has designed the space to cater to a wide demographic, from serious athletes to families seeking recreational activities. The project represents a major commitment to the region's health and wellness infrastructure.

According to planning documents, the club will feature a state-of-the-art 100-station gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. It will also include dedicated studios for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, Pilates, and group cycling classes.

Comprehensive Amenities for Members

A central feature of the new club will be its extensive aquatic facilities. These include a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. A separate indoor splash pool for children is also part of the design, reinforcing the club's family-friendly focus.

Racquet sports enthusiasts will have access to multiple championship-standard tennis courts, with options for both indoor and outdoor play. The club will also offer badminton and squash courts, along with professional coaching programs for all ages and skill levels.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The development is poised to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. The creation of over 150 new jobs will provide employment opportunities across various sectors, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and maintenance. Recruitment for key management positions is expected to begin in mid-2025.

Colchester City Council has welcomed the investment, highlighting its role in the regeneration of the Cuckoo Farm area. The project aligns with the council's long-term goals of promoting healthy lifestyles and attracting new business investment to the region.

"This is a landmark investment for Colchester that will not only provide world-class leisure facilities for our residents but also create valuable new jobs. We are delighted to see a company of David Lloyd's caliber choosing our city for such a significant project," a council spokesperson stated.

The construction phase itself will also support local businesses, with contracts for building, landscaping, and supplies expected to be sourced locally where possible. This creates a ripple effect, further stimulating economic activity in Essex.

A Focus on Wellness and Community

Beyond physical fitness, the new Colchester club is designed to be a hub for wellness and community. A key feature will be the luxury spa, named the 'Spa Retreat,' which will offer a range of amenities designed for relaxation and recovery.

The spa will include a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a salt cave. A variety of professional treatments will also be available to members. This emphasis on holistic wellness reflects a growing trend in the leisure industry, where consumers are increasingly seeking services that support both physical and mental health.

Spaces for Work and Socializing

Recognizing the shift towards flexible working, the club will incorporate a dedicated 'Clubroom' with a business lounge. This area will provide members with a comfortable space to work remotely, featuring high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a quiet environment. An adults-only area will also be available for those seeking a tranquil space.

The facility will also include a large restaurant and café bar with an outdoor terrace, providing a social space for members to connect. A dedicated kids' zone and activity rooms will offer a safe and engaging environment for younger members, allowing parents to make full use of the club's facilities.

Stephen Brown, a Regional Manager for David Lloyd, commented on the vision for the new site. "Our goal is to create more than just a gym. We are building a community destination where families can spend quality time together, individuals can pursue their fitness goals, and everyone can find a space to relax and socialize."

Timeline and Next Steps

With planning permission secured, David Lloyd Leisure Group is finalizing the details for the construction phase. The company aims to break ground on the Cuckoo Farm site in the first quarter of 2025. The build is projected to take approximately 12 to 15 months.

The club is on track for a grand opening in late 2025. Information regarding membership options and founder member offers is expected to be released closer to the opening date. The company plans to launch a dedicated website for the Colchester club where prospective members can register for updates.

This development is part of David Lloyd's broader strategy of expanding its presence in key regional hubs across the UK. The Colchester project follows similar successful openings in other parts of the country, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in the premium health and fitness market.