David Lloyd Leisure has announced a significant £20 million investment to develop a new state-of-the-art health and wellness club in Manchester. The project is expected to create over 150 jobs and will feature a wide range of premium fitness and leisure facilities, marking a major expansion for the company in the North West of England.
The new club, slated to open in late 2025, will be situated on a multi-acre site near the Trafford Centre, providing extensive sports, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities. This development underscores the company's strategy of investing in large-scale, multi-purpose destinations designed to cater to the entire family.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure is investing £20 million in a new club in Manchester.
- The project will create more than 150 full-time and part-time jobs.
- Facilities will include indoor and outdoor pools, Padel tennis courts, and a luxury spa.
- The opening is planned for late 2025 as part of a broader UK expansion strategy.
Details of the New Manchester Club
The planned facility will cover approximately 120,000 square feet of indoor space, complemented by extensive outdoor areas. According to the development plans, the club aims to provide a comprehensive wellness experience that goes beyond a standard gym.
Advanced Fitness and Sports Facilities
At the core of the new club will be a large, modern gym equipped with the latest fitness technology. The space will feature distinct zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. In addition to the main gym, there will be several dedicated studios for group classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, Pilates, and cycling.
The sports offerings are a key component of the investment. The club will include:
- 10 Tennis Courts: A mix of indoor and outdoor courts to allow for year-round play.
- 4 Padel Courts: Capitalizing on the growing popularity of the sport in the UK.
- 2 Swimming Pools: A 25-meter indoor pool for lane swimming and a heated outdoor pool for leisure.
- Badminton and Squash Courts: Multi-purpose courts available for members.
Focus on Padel Tennis
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe. The inclusion of four dedicated courts reflects David Lloyd's strategy to meet rising consumer demand for new and sociable sports activities. The company now operates over 180 Padel courts across its European locations.
Family and Relaxation Amenities
David Lloyd has consistently focused on creating a family-friendly environment. The Manchester club will feature a dedicated DL Kids facility, offering activities and coaching for children of various ages. This allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are supervised in a safe and engaging setting.
For relaxation and recovery, a significant portion of the investment is allocated to a luxury spa. The spa will include a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms. This 'Spa Retreat' concept is designed to provide a premium wellness destination within the club itself.
"Our goal is to create more than just a gym; it's a destination for the whole family. This £20 million investment in Manchester reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to providing best-in-class health and wellness facilities." - Simon Henderson, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure (fictional quote).
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development represents a substantial economic injection into the local Manchester economy. The construction phase alone is projected to support dozens of jobs in the building and trade sectors. Once operational, the club will create a diverse range of employment opportunities.
The company anticipates hiring for over 150 positions, including roles in management, fitness coaching, hospitality, and administration. This includes opportunities for qualified tennis coaches, personal trainers, and spa therapists. The recruitment process is expected to begin in early 2025, with a focus on hiring from the local community.
David Lloyd's UK Footprint
David Lloyd Leisure is the largest health and fitness operator in the UK by revenue. The company operates over 100 clubs in the UK and another 30 across mainland Europe. This new Manchester location is part of a strategic plan to enhance its presence in major UK urban centers.
Local business leaders have welcomed the news, citing the positive impact on local employment and the enhancement of leisure amenities in the area. The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in Manchester's continued growth as a major economic hub.
Strategic Expansion and Market Trends
This new facility is consistent with David Lloyd's long-term strategy of focusing on large, premium clubs that offer a wide array of services. The company has moved away from smaller, city-center gym models to develop expansive 'country club' style destinations that encourage longer visits and cater to a broader demographic.
Responding to Post-Pandemic Wellness Trends
The design and offerings of the new club are tailored to meet evolving consumer preferences in the post-pandemic era. There is a greater emphasis on holistic well-being, which includes mental health and relaxation alongside physical fitness. The inclusion of a high-end spa, outdoor spaces, and social areas like the clubroom and restaurant caters to this trend.
Furthermore, the demand for flexible working spaces has influenced the club's design. The Manchester facility will include a dedicated 'Clubroom' area with business facilities, allowing members to work remotely before or after their workouts. This integration of work, wellness, and social life is a key part of the modern David Lloyd offering.
Investment Statistics
- Total Investment: £20 million
- Jobs Created: 150+
- Indoor Area: 120,000 sq ft
- Planned Opening: Late 2025
The company's continued investment in its physical locations comes at a time when the fitness industry is seeing a resurgence in in-person experiences. While digital fitness solutions grew during the pandemic, many consumers are now seeking the community and superior facilities that physical clubs provide. David Lloyd's strategy is to position itself at the premium end of this market, offering an experience that cannot be replicated at home.
The official groundbreaking for the Manchester project is scheduled for early next year. The company has stated it is also exploring other potential sites for expansion across the UK and Europe, signaling a period of sustained growth.