David Lloyd Leisure, a prominent European health and wellness group, has officially acquired The Park Club in Acton, West London. The company has announced a significant investment of over £9 million to completely redevelop the site, transforming it into a premier health and racquet facility under the David Lloyd brand.
The acquisition marks a key step in the company's expansion strategy within the UK capital. The existing club is scheduled to close for a period to allow for the extensive refurbishment, with plans to reopen as a state-of-the-art David Lloyd club.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has acquired The Park Club, a 27-acre family sports club in Acton, West London.
- The company will invest more than £9 million in a comprehensive redevelopment of the entire site.
- The club will be temporarily closed for the refurbishment and will reopen as a premium David Lloyd facility.
- New features will include a luxury indoor and outdoor spa, an upgraded gym, and enhanced family and racquet sports facilities.
A Strategic Expansion in the Capital
The acquisition of The Park Club represents a calculated move by David Lloyd Leisure to strengthen its presence in London. The Acton location is seen as a prime spot, serving a large and active community in West London. This purchase adds a significant property to the company's extensive portfolio.
At the time of the acquisition, David Lloyd Leisure operated 114 clubs across Europe, with 99 located within the United Kingdom. The addition of The Park Club fits into the company's model of operating large-scale, family-oriented clubs that offer a wide range of health, sport, and leisure activities.
About David Lloyd Leisure
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure has grown to become Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure group. The company is known for its premium facilities, which typically include state-of-the-art gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, and family-friendly amenities. It operates under both the David Lloyd Clubs and Harbour Clubs brands.
Glenn Earlam, the CEO of David Lloyd Leisure at the time, commented on the strategic importance of the deal. He highlighted the club's potential and its ideal location as key factors in the decision.
"The Park Club is a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio of clubs and we are very excited about the opportunity to transform it into one of London’s leading health and racquets clubs," Earlam stated.
Details of the £9 Million Redevelopment Plan
The planned investment of over £9 million is one of the most substantial redevelopment projects undertaken by the group. The funds are allocated for a complete overhaul of the existing facilities and the introduction of new, premium features consistent with the David Lloyd brand.
The redevelopment will be comprehensive, touching every aspect of the 27-acre property. The goal is to create a modern, luxurious environment for members of all ages.
Key Upgrades and New Facilities
The transformation will introduce several signature David Lloyd features. A major highlight of the project is the creation of a luxury Spa Retreat.
- Luxury Spa Retreat: The plan includes a new indoor and outdoor spa featuring a hydro pool, sauna, steam rooms, and relaxation areas.
- State-of-the-Art Gym: The existing gym will be completely refurbished and equipped with the latest fitness technology and equipment.
- Enhanced Racquet Sports: The club's 28 tennis courts, a mix of indoor and outdoor surfaces, will be upgraded to meet high standards.
- Family Facilities: New and improved areas for children, including a dedicated DL Kids facility, will be a central part of the redevelopment.
- Food and Beverage: The club's restaurant and social areas will be redesigned to create a modern Clubroom for members to relax and socialize.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Investment: Over £9 million
- Site Area: 27 acres
- Tennis Courts: 28 (indoor and outdoor)
- Swimming Pools: Indoor and outdoor pools to be refurbished
Impact on Members and Temporary Closure
To facilitate the extensive renovation work, the club will need to close temporarily. David Lloyd Leisure has communicated that this closure is necessary to ensure the safety of members and to allow the construction teams to work efficiently.
The company has stated its commitment to keeping current members of The Park Club informed throughout the process. Details regarding membership transitions and timelines for the reopening will be provided directly to them.
Once reopened, the facility will operate as David Lloyd Acton Park. It is expected to offer a significantly enhanced experience, justifying the temporary disruption. The investment aims to deliver long-term value to both existing and new members in the West London area.
The Future of the Historic Park Club Site
The Park Club has a long history as a family-focused sports and leisure destination in Acton. Its expansive grounds and extensive facilities have made it a community hub for many years. The acquisition by David Lloyd Leisure signals a new chapter for the location.
The redevelopment aims to preserve the club's community feel while elevating its facilities to a premium standard. The integration into the David Lloyd network will provide members with access to a wider range of resources and expertise in the health and wellness sector.
According to Glenn Earlam, the vision is clear. "Our vision is to create a stunning club that will be a fantastic place for families to spend quality time together, enjoying the superb facilities," he explained. The project reflects a growing trend in the leisure industry towards creating comprehensive wellness destinations that cater to the entire family.
