David Lloyd Clubs, a prominent health, sport, and leisure group in Europe, has announced the opening of its newest facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The new club, located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, represents a significant investment of £12.5 million and is expected to create 80 new jobs in the local community.
The development marks the group's 103rd club in the United Kingdom and its 133rd globally. This expansion aligns with the company's strategy to enhance its presence in key regional markets and provide premium wellness and fitness services to a wider audience.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has opened a new £12.5 million facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The new club is located at the Catalyst Bicester business park and has created 80 local jobs.
- This is the company's 103rd club in the UK and 133rd worldwide, signaling continued growth.
- The facility includes a 100+ station gym, multiple pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa.
- The Bicester location is designed to be a family-friendly destination with extensive kids' facilities.
A Major Investment in Bicester's Local Economy
The establishment of the David Lloyd Club in Bicester is a substantial economic development for the area. The £12.5 million investment underscores the company's confidence in the region's growth potential. This new facility is not just a building; it's a source of employment and a new community hub.
According to company statements, the creation of 80 permanent jobs will provide a notable boost to the local workforce. These roles span various functions, including fitness instruction, hospitality, club management, and maintenance, offering a range of employment opportunities for residents.
Catalyst Bicester: A Strategic Location
The choice of Catalyst Bicester as the site for the new club is strategic. This modern business and technology park offers excellent accessibility and is part of a growing commercial landscape in Oxfordshire. The location is designed to attract professionals and families living and working in the surrounding area, aligning with David Lloyd's target demographic.
The project was developed in partnership with Albion Land, the commercial property developer behind the Catalyst Bicester park. This collaboration highlights a trend of integrating high-end leisure facilities within modern business developments to create more holistic work-life environments.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Wellness
The new Bicester club is equipped with a wide array of state-of-the-art facilities designed to cater to diverse fitness and leisure needs. The centerpiece of the club is its expansive gym, which features over 100 stations with the latest fitness equipment.
Members have access to a variety of group exercise options. The club includes four specialized studios: a High-Impact Studio for high-energy classes, a Mind & Body Studio for yoga and Pilates, a Group Cycling Studio, and a BLAZE studio for boutique-style HIIT workouts.
Facility Highlights at a Glance
- Gym: Over 100 fitness stations.
- Pools: A 25m indoor pool, a 20m outdoor pool, and an indoor kids' pool.
- Racquet Sports: 3 indoor tennis courts and 3 Padel courts.
- Spa: A luxury Spa Garden with an outdoor sauna, hydro-pool, and relaxation zones.
- Studios: Four dedicated studios for various group classes, including BLAZE HIIT.
Swimming facilities are a major draw, with both indoor and outdoor options. The 25-meter indoor pool is suitable for lane swimming and lessons, while the 20-meter heated outdoor pool allows for year-round enjoyment. A dedicated indoor splash pool for children makes it a family-friendly amenity.
Focus on Family and Community
A key element of the David Lloyd brand is its focus on serving the entire family. The Bicester location strongly reflects this philosophy with extensive facilities and programs tailored for younger members. The 'DL Kids' facility offers over 30 hours of weekly coaching for children aged 3 to 11, included as part of the membership.
Activities are designed to be both fun and developmental, covering sports, games, and arts and crafts. This comprehensive children's program allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are engaged in supervised activities, making it a convenient solution for active families.
"Our goal is to create a welcoming space where families can spend quality time together, pursuing their health and wellness goals," a company spokesperson noted. "The Bicester club is designed from the ground up to support the well-being of every member, from the youngest to the oldest."
Beyond the kids' club, the facility also includes a Clubroom and restaurant with an outdoor terrace. This social space is intended to be the heart of the club, where members can work, relax, and socialize. The provision of a dedicated business area with free Wi-Fi also caters to the growing trend of remote and flexible working.
Luxury Spa and Racquet Sports Offer Premium Experience
Setting it apart from standard gyms, the David Lloyd Bicester club features a luxurious Spa Garden. This wellness sanctuary is designed for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a hydro-pool, a feature sauna, a steam room, and heated beds. The outdoor space provides a tranquil environment for members to unwind.
Racquet sports are another core component of the David Lloyd offering. The new club boasts three indoor tennis courts, providing year-round playing opportunities. In addition, the facility includes three Padel courts, catering to the rapidly growing popularity of this sport in the UK.
The combination of these premium amenities positions the club as a comprehensive leisure destination rather than just a place to exercise. Stuart Caswell, the new General Manager of the Bicester club, emphasized this point.
"We are thrilled to bring the David Lloyd brand to Bicester," said Caswell. "Our club offers an unparalleled range of facilities, from our cutting-edge gym and studios to our luxurious spa and family-friendly spaces. We are confident that we will become a valued part of the local community."
This opening is part of a broader expansion strategy for David Lloyd Clubs, which continues to invest in new sites and refurbish existing ones. The company's continued growth reflects a strong market demand for premium, family-oriented health and wellness facilities across the UK and Europe.
