David Lloyd Leisure Group has announced a significant £20 million investment to develop a new luxury health and wellness club in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The project is expected to generate approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs for the local community, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2025.
The state-of-the-art facility will be located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, offering a comprehensive range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities. The club is slated for a grand opening in late 2025, marking a key part of the company's ongoing expansion strategy across the United Kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure Group is investing £20 million in a new facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The project will create around 80 new jobs in various roles, from management to hospitality.
- The club will feature extensive fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, and family areas.
- This development is part of David Lloyd's broader strategy to expand its premium wellness offerings in key UK locations.
A Closer Look at the Bicester Facility
The new David Lloyd club is designed to be a premier destination for health and wellness in the region. Spanning a significant footprint, the facility will incorporate modern design with a focus on providing a high-quality experience for members of all ages.
Comprehensive Fitness and Wellness Amenities
At the core of the Bicester club will be its extensive fitness offerings. Members will have access to a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest cardio and strength-training technology. The facility will also feature dedicated studios for various group exercise classes, including yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Swimming facilities will be a major highlight, with both indoor and outdoor heated pools. This allows for year-round swimming and leisure activities. A separate, shallower pool will be available for children and families.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £20 million
- Projected Jobs: 80
- Key Features: State-of-the-art gym, indoor & outdoor pools, luxury spa, crèche, business lounge
- Location: Catalyst Bicester business park
- Opening Date: Late 2025
For relaxation and recovery, the club will house a luxurious spa area. This sanctuary will include a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pools, offering a quiet space for members to unwind. A range of professional spa treatments will also be available.
Economic and Community Impact
The £20 million investment represents a substantial commitment to the local economy of Bicester and the surrounding Cherwell district. The creation of 80 jobs is expected to provide a significant boost to local employment.
Job Creation and Local Sourcing
The new roles will cover a wide spectrum of positions, including club management, fitness instruction, spa therapy, hospitality services, and maintenance. David Lloyd has indicated a commitment to hiring from the local talent pool where possible, providing valuable career opportunities.
During the construction phase, the project will also support numerous jobs in the building and trade sectors. The company often aims to partner with local suppliers for materials and services, further injecting capital into the regional economy.
"Our investment in Bicester reflects our confidence in the town's growth and our commitment to providing world-class health and wellness facilities. We are excited to become an active part of the community, creating jobs and offering a space where families can prioritize their well-being." - James Johnson, Head of UK Development, David Lloyd Leisure Group.
Beyond employment, the club is expected to attract new members from across the region, potentially increasing footfall for other local businesses and services.
Part of a National Expansion Strategy
The Bicester development is not an isolated project but a key component of David Lloyd's wider growth plans. The company has been actively identifying and developing new sites across the UK to meet the growing demand for premium health and leisure services.
The UK Health and Fitness Market
The UK health club market has shown strong resilience and growth, particularly in the premium segment. Post-pandemic, there has been an increased consumer focus on holistic well-being, combining physical fitness with mental relaxation and social connection. David Lloyd's model, which integrates fitness, spa, and family activities, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
This strategic expansion focuses on areas with strong demographic growth and a demand for high-quality, family-friendly facilities. The company's model emphasizes creating a 'third place' for members – a social and recreational hub outside of home and work.
Recent years have seen similar investments in other parts of the country, reinforcing David Lloyd's position as a market leader. This continued investment signals the company's optimistic outlook on the future of the UK's health and wellness industry.
Sustainability and Modern Design
In line with modern construction standards and corporate responsibility goals, the new Bicester club will incorporate several sustainable features. Environmental considerations are a growing priority for both the company and its members.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
The design plans for the facility are expected to include several green technologies aimed at reducing its environmental footprint. These initiatives may include:
- Energy Efficiency: Use of LED lighting, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient climate control systems.
- Water Conservation: Advanced water filtration and recycling systems for the swimming pools to minimize water waste.
- Renewable Energy: Installation of solar panels on the roof to generate a portion of the club's electricity needs.
- EV Charging: Provision of electric vehicle charging points in the car park to encourage sustainable transport among members.
These features not only reduce operational costs but also align with the values of an increasingly environmentally conscious membership base. By integrating sustainability into its core design, David Lloyd aims to build a facility that is both modern and responsible.