David Lloyd Clubs has announced a significant £20 million investment to develop a new health, wellness, and racquets club in Ipswich, Suffolk. The project is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs and provide a state-of-the-art facility for the local community, with construction slated to begin later this year.
The new club will be situated at the Ipswich Garden Suburb, also known as the Henley Gate development. This facility marks the company's 104th club in the United Kingdom and is part of a broader strategy to expand its presence in key regional areas.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs is investing £20 million in a new facility in Ipswich, Suffolk.
- The project is expected to create around 100 permanent jobs in the area.
- The club will feature extensive fitness, racquets, and spa facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools.
- Construction is planned to start in late 2024, with an anticipated opening in late 2025.
Project Overview and Investment Details
The planned £20 million investment underscores a major commitment to the Ipswich area. According to company statements, the funds will cover the entire construction and outfitting of the new multi-purpose facility. This development is one of the largest single investments in a new club by the company in the past five years.
The club will be built on a large plot within the Henley Gate development, a significant new housing and community area in Ipswich. The location was chosen for its accessibility and its role in the growing northern Ipswich community. The facility aims to serve both new residents of the Garden Suburb and the wider Suffolk population.
Recruitment for the approximately 100 full-time and part-time positions will begin in early 2025. Roles will range from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and maintenance staff. The company has stated it will prioritize local hiring to support the regional economy.
Facility Features and Amenities
The new David Lloyd Club in Ipswich is designed to be a comprehensive health and wellness destination. The plans detail a wide range of amenities intended to cater to individuals and families.
Facility at a Glance
- Fitness: A 10,000 sq ft gymnasium with cardio, strength, and functional training zones.
- Pools: A 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool.
- Racquets: Three indoor Padel courts, three indoor tennis courts, and four outdoor tennis courts.
- Spa: A luxury spa retreat with a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool.
- Family: Dedicated DL Kids facilities and a crèche.
The inclusion of Padel courts is a notable feature, reflecting the sport's rapidly growing popularity in the UK. This makes the Ipswich club one of the few facilities in the region to offer dedicated indoor Padel courts.
Focus on Wellness and Family
Beyond the core fitness offerings, the club will place a strong emphasis on holistic wellness. The spa area, branded as the 'Spa Retreat,' is designed to provide a premium relaxation experience. It will include various heat therapy rooms, treatment areas, and relaxation zones.
For families, the club will offer extensive programs through its DL Kids brand. These activities are scheduled to align with adult class timetables, allowing parents to use the gym or spa while their children are supervised in age-appropriate activities. A dedicated crèche service will also be available for younger children.
Economic and Community Impact
The development is expected to have a substantial positive impact on the local economy. The creation of 100 new jobs represents a significant boost for employment in Ipswich. These roles will cover a spectrum of skills, offering opportunities in the leisure, hospitality, and wellness sectors.
Ipswich Garden Suburb Development
The Ipswich Garden Suburb is one of the largest new housing developments in the region, planned to deliver up to 3,500 new homes, along with schools, shops, and community facilities. The inclusion of a major leisure brand like David Lloyd is seen as a key step in establishing the area as a desirable place to live.
Local officials have welcomed the investment. Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, commented on the project's potential.
“This is a significant investment that will bring first-class facilities and new jobs to our town. It’s a vote of confidence in Ipswich as a place to invest and grow. We look forward to seeing the benefits this new club will bring to the community.”
The construction phase itself will also support local businesses, with contracts likely to be awarded to regional suppliers and construction firms. The long-term operation of the club will contribute to the local economy through business rates and by attracting visitors from the surrounding area.
Timeline and Future Outlook
David Lloyd Clubs has outlined a clear timeline for the project. Initial site preparations are expected to commence in the autumn of 2024, with major construction beginning before the end of the year. The build is projected to take approximately 12 to 14 months.
If the schedule holds, the club is anticipated to open its doors to members in late 2025. A pre-sale period for founder memberships will likely launch in mid-2025, allowing early adopters to secure access at preferential rates.
Stephen Brown, a Regional Manager for David Lloyd Clubs, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “We are thrilled to bring a brand-new David Lloyd Club to Ipswich. Our goal is to create a premium destination for the whole family to focus on their health and wellbeing. The Henley Gate location is perfect, and we are excited to become an integral part of this new and growing community.”
This new club is part of David Lloyd's ongoing strategy of targeted expansion within the UK, focusing on areas with strong demographic growth and a demand for premium leisure facilities. The success of the Ipswich club could pave the way for further investments in the East of England region.
