David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest state-of-the-art facility in Reading, Berkshire, following a £15 million investment. The expansive new club is designed to offer a premium health, wellness, and leisure experience for individuals and families, featuring a wide range of modern amenities and creating over 100 new jobs in the local community.
The launch marks a significant step in the company's ongoing UK expansion strategy, reflecting growing consumer demand for comprehensive wellness destinations. The Reading club incorporates the brand's latest design concepts, focusing on luxury, comfort, and a diverse array of fitness and relaxation options.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has opened a new £15 million club in Reading, Berkshire.
- The facility includes a luxury spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and extensive racquet sports courts.
- The project has created more than 100 full-time and part-time jobs in the area.
- This opening is part of a wider strategy to expand and upgrade facilities across the UK.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Club
The new Reading facility spans a significant area, designed to cater to a wide variety of fitness and leisure pursuits. At its core are extensive gym facilities equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands. Members have access to a large free-weight area, functional training zones, and a suite of cardio machines with interactive displays.
Beyond the main gym floor, the club offers dedicated studios for group exercise. These include a high-energy Blaze studio for boutique-style HIIT classes, a serene Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a dynamic Group Cycling studio. According to the company, the club will offer more than 130 group exercise classes each week.
Comprehensive Wellness and Relaxation
A central feature of the new club is its luxurious spa area, designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and recovery. The spa includes a Himalayan salt sauna, a citrus steam room, a hydrotherapy pool, and heated relaxation beds. An outdoor spa garden provides an additional space for members to unwind.
Swimming facilities are a major highlight, with both a 25-meter indoor lap pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool. This allows for year-round swimming regardless of the weather. The club also provides dedicated splash pools for children, reinforcing its family-friendly focus.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £15 million
- New Jobs Created: Over 100
- Key Features: Luxury Spa, Indoor & Outdoor Pools, 10 Tennis Courts, Padel Courts, Blaze Studio
- Weekly Classes: 130+
Family and Social Spaces a Core Focus
David Lloyd Clubs has placed a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for all ages. The Reading location includes a dedicated DL Kids area with a full schedule of activities and coaching sessions for children. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
The club also features a spacious Clubroom, which serves as a social hub for members. It includes a restaurant and café offering a range of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. An adults-only lounge provides a quiet space for work or relaxation, complete with high-speed Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.
"Our goal with the Reading club was to create a comprehensive destination that supports the health and wellbeing of the entire family," stated a David Lloyd spokesperson. "We have seen a clear trend towards people seeking integrated lifestyle clubs, and this £15 million investment reflects our commitment to meeting that demand with world-class facilities."
Commitment to Racquet Sports
Staying true to its heritage, the new club boasts impressive racquet sports facilities. It includes ten championship-standard tennis courts, with both indoor and outdoor options to facilitate year-round play. The club also offers badminton and squash courts.
In line with growing trends, the Reading facility features newly installed Padel courts. Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash, is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe, and its inclusion highlights David Lloyd's strategy of adapting to new fitness trends. A team of professional coaches is available for lessons and group sessions across all racquet sports.
The Growth of Padel Tennis
Padel tennis has seen a surge in popularity across the UK in recent years. According to data from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the number of Padel courts in the country has nearly tripled since 2021. Its social nature and relatively easy learning curve have made it popular among a wide demographic, prompting leisure operators like David Lloyd to invest heavily in new courts.
Economic Impact and Future Strategy
The opening of the Reading club is a significant local economic event. The creation of over 100 jobs provides a boost to the local employment market, with roles ranging from fitness instructors and spa therapists to management and hospitality staff. The company has focused on hiring from the local community where possible.
This new club is a key component of David Lloyd's broader corporate strategy. The company is continuing to invest in both new sites and the refurbishment of existing clubs across its portfolio. This approach is aimed at maintaining its position in the premium segment of the health and fitness market.
The investment also signals confidence in the in-person fitness industry. While home fitness solutions gained popularity, there is a strong and sustained demand for high-quality, community-focused club environments that offer a wider range of facilities than can be replicated at home. David Lloyd's strategy appears to be centered on capitalizing on this trend by providing an all-encompassing leisure experience.
