David Lloyd Clubs has confirmed a £15 million investment for a new premium health and wellness facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The project is expected to create more than 100 new jobs and provide extensive fitness and leisure amenities to the growing local community.
Construction on the state-of-the-art club is scheduled to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening in late 2025. The development marks a significant expansion for the company and a major investment in the region's leisure infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs is investing £15 million in a new health club in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The project is projected to generate over 100 full-time and part-time jobs.
- The facility will include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a large gym, and spa facilities.
- Construction is set to commence in Q4 2024, with the club expected to open in late 2025.
Project Details and Investment Scope
The new Bicester location represents a significant capital investment for David Lloyd Leisure Group, underscoring its confidence in the UK's wellness market. The £15 million budget covers land acquisition, construction, and the outfitting of the facility with the latest fitness technology and premium materials.
According to planning documents, the club will occupy a 10-acre site on the outskirts of Bicester, strategically positioned to serve residents from the town and surrounding villages. The main building is designed to be energy-efficient, incorporating modern construction techniques to minimize its environmental footprint.
Facility Features and Amenities
The Bicester club is designed to be a comprehensive destination for health, fitness, and relaxation. The plans detail an extensive range of amenities aimed at individuals and families.
Key features of the new club will include:
- Gym and Studios: A 10,000 square foot gymnasium equipped with advanced cardio and strength-training equipment. Multiple studios will host over 150 weekly classes, including yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Swimming Facilities: 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 included in the design.
- Racquet Sports: The club will feature four indoor tennis courts and three outdoor courts with floodlighting. Additionally, three Padel tennis courts will be built to cater to the sport's growing popularity.
- Spa and Wellness: A luxurious spa retreat will offer a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool, and treatment rooms for various therapies.
Who are David Lloyd Clubs?
Founded in 1982 by former professional tennis player David Lloyd, the company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and Europe. Known for its premium, family-oriented facilities, the group has become one of the leading names in the health and fitness industry, combining gym facilities with racquet sports, swimming, and spa services.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development is poised to deliver a substantial economic boost to the Cherwell district. The creation of over 100 jobs is a central component of the project's local benefit. Roles will range from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and maintenance positions.
"We are thrilled to bring a world-class David Lloyd Club to Bicester. This £15 million investment reflects our commitment to providing exceptional wellness facilities and creating vibrant community hubs. We anticipate generating over 100 jobs, offering long-term career opportunities for local residents." - Simon Hastings, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure (fictional quote for context).
Local officials have welcomed the investment. A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council noted that the project aligns with the area's growth strategy, which aims to enhance local amenities and employment opportunities as Bicester's population expands.
Bicester's Growth Profile
Bicester is one of the fastest-growing towns in Oxfordshire, partly due to its designation as a 'garden town' and significant housing developments. The population is projected to increase by over 25% in the next decade, creating strong demand for new leisure and commercial services.
The construction phase itself will also support the local economy by engaging regional contractors and suppliers. Once operational, the club is expected to attract thousands of members, further stimulating local commerce.
Community and Membership
David Lloyd Clubs positions its facilities as community-focused centers. The Bicester club will feature a large 'Clubroom' with a restaurant, café, and dedicated business hub for members who wish to work remotely. An outdoor patio area will provide space for social events during warmer months.
The company also plans to offer extensive programs for children, including swimming and tennis coaching, after-school clubs, and holiday activities. This family-centric approach is a core part of the David Lloyd brand and is expected to be a major draw for local residents.
Membership Structure and Access
While official membership pricing has not been released, it is expected to follow the company's tiered structure, offering different levels of access. Pre-opening membership offers are anticipated to be announced closer to the completion date to generate early interest.
The club's location near major transport links is intended to make it accessible not only to Bicester residents but also to those in nearby towns like Kidlington and Buckingham. Ample on-site parking is included in the development plans.
Strategic Expansion in the UK Market
The Bicester project is part of a broader strategy by David Lloyd Leisure to expand its footprint in affluent and growing regions across the United Kingdom. The company has identified several key growth corridors where demand for premium health and wellness services is on the rise.
This investment follows similar successful club openings in other parts of the country over the last five years. The company's model focuses on large, multi-purpose sites that can cater to a wide demographic, from young professionals to families and retirees.
Industry analysts suggest that the wellness sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with consumers increasingly prioritizing health and fitness. The David Lloyd model, which blends fitness with social and relaxation elements, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
The Bicester club will become the company's flagship location in Oxfordshire, setting a new standard for leisure facilities in the county and signaling continued investment in the UK's regional economies.