David Lloyd Leisure has confirmed the acquisition of The Park Club in West London and announced plans for an £8 million investment to create one of the largest family-focused health and leisure facilities in the United Kingdom. The project involves merging the newly acquired club with the adjacent David Lloyd Acton Park to form a single, expansive destination.
The significant capital injection will fund a complete refurbishment and the introduction of numerous new amenities, including a luxury spa, multiple swimming pools, and state-of-the-art fitness studios. The development aims to establish a premier health and wellness hub for the West London community.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has acquired The Park Club in Acton, West London.
- An £8 million investment is planned for a major refurbishment and development project.
- The Park Club will merge with the existing David Lloyd Acton Park to create a new, larger facility named David Lloyd Acton.
- New features will include a luxury spa with a Spa Garden, new indoor and outdoor pools, and additional tennis and padel courts.
- The club will remain operational during the phased construction, with completion expected in the near future.
Strategic Acquisition and Merger
The acquisition brings The Park Club, located on a 27-acre site, under the ownership of David Lloyd Leisure. The strategic plan involves integrating this property with the company's neighboring David Lloyd Acton Park club. This merger will create a single, unified facility that leverages the extensive land and resources of both properties.
By combining the two sites, the company aims to create what it describes as a "super club." The new, larger entity will operate under the name David Lloyd Acton. This move is part of David Lloyd's broader strategy to enhance its portfolio and offer comprehensive, high-quality leisure experiences in key urban locations.
The integration process will be managed in phases to minimize disruption to existing members. Both clubs are expected to remain open and operational throughout the duration of the development project.
Background on David Lloyd Leisure
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is Europe's largest health, fitness, and racquets group. The company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe, serving more than 730,000 members. It is known for its family-friendly approach and extensive facilities, which often include swimming pools, tennis courts, and comprehensive gym services.
Details of the £8 Million Investment
The core of the project is the more than £8 million allocated for redevelopment. This investment will fund the construction of new facilities and the extensive refurbishment of existing structures to meet the brand's premium standards. The goal is to create a modern, all-encompassing wellness destination.
A central feature of the redevelopment is a brand-new, luxurious indoor spa. This area will include a hydro pool, sauna, steam room, and heated relaxation beds. An outdoor Spa Garden will also be added, providing a tranquil space for members to relax.
Further enhancements will be made to the club's fitness and recreational offerings. The gym will undergo a complete refurbishment, receiving new state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally, several new group exercise studios are planned, including dedicated spaces for Mind & Body classes, high-energy workouts, and indoor cycling.
Padel Tennis Growth
The inclusion of new padel courts reflects the sport's rising popularity. According to industry reports, padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, with the number of courts more than tripling in recent years. This addition aligns with current trends in the racquets sports market.
New Facilities and Amenities
The redevelopment plan for David Lloyd Acton is extensive, covering nearly every aspect of the member experience. The project is designed to cater to individuals and families alike, with dedicated zones for different activities.
Aquatics and Racquet Sports
The club will feature new indoor and outdoor swimming pools, providing year-round options for members. These additions will complement the existing aquatic facilities and are designed to accommodate both fitness swimming and family leisure time.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club will see the addition of new tennis courts. In line with growing demand, several padel courts will also be constructed, expanding the variety of sports available on-site.
Family and Business Features
The plan includes significant investment in family-oriented services. The DL Kids facilities will be upgraded and expanded, providing a range of activities for younger members. A new Clubroom and business lounge will also be created, offering a comfortable space for members to socialize, work, or relax.
"Our vision is to create a premier health and leisure destination that serves the entire family. This £8 million investment will allow us to deliver an unparalleled experience with world-class facilities for our members in West London." - David Lloyd Leisure Spokesperson
Project Timeline and Member Impact
The development of the new David Lloyd Acton will be conducted as a phased project. This approach is intended to ensure that members can continue to use the club facilities with minimal interruption during the construction period.
While a specific completion date has not been finalized, the company has indicated that the full range of new and refurbished facilities will become available as each phase of the project is completed. Members will be kept informed of the progress and any temporary changes to access or services.
The long-term goal is to seamlessly merge the two clubs into a single, cohesive destination. Upon completion, members of the new David Lloyd Acton will have access to the full 27-acre site and all of its upgraded amenities, positioning it as one of the flagship locations within the company's UK portfolio.
