David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, following a £15 million investment. The state-of-the-art facility is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs and provide a wide range of premium fitness and relaxation amenities for the local community.
The new club, part of the company's ongoing UK expansion, is designed to cater to families and individuals with a focus on comprehensive health, sports, and leisure services. The opening marks a significant addition to the area's recreational landscape, offering facilities that include swimming pools, a luxury spa, and extensive racquet sports courts.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has launched a new club in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The project represents a total investment of £15 million.
- The facility has created around 100 full-time and part-time jobs.
- Key features include a luxury Spa Retreat, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a high-tech gym.
- The club aims to provide a premium, family-oriented health and wellness experience.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The new David Lloyd club in Bicester is one of the company's most significant recent investments. The £15 million development underscores a strategy to expand into growing towns and regions across the United Kingdom. Company officials stated the goal is to meet rising consumer demand for high-quality, all-encompassing leisure destinations.
The construction and launch of the club have directly benefited the local economy. According to a company spokesperson, the creation of 100 new positions covers a range of roles, from fitness instructors and spa therapists to hospitality and management staff. This influx of jobs provides a welcome boost to employment in the Cherwell district.
"Our Bicester club represents the next generation of our facilities. We are committed to providing exceptional spaces for families and individuals to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing. This £15 million investment reflects our confidence in the Bicester community and our dedication to promoting a healthy, active lifestyle." - Stéphane Ruttan, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure
The location in Bicester was strategically chosen due to the town's rapid growth and its reputation as a thriving residential and commercial hub. The facility is situated to be easily accessible for residents in the surrounding areas, including newly developed housing estates.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The Bicester club boasts an extensive array of modern amenities designed to cater to a diverse membership base. The facilities are spread across a large, purpose-built site, offering both indoor and outdoor activities year-round.
What is a David Lloyd Club?
David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe, operating over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe. The clubs are known for their premium, family-friendly environments, extensive racquet facilities, and comprehensive fitness and wellness offerings, including spas and swimming pools.
Fitness and Training Areas
At the core of the new club is a spacious, high-tech gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. The gym features a wide selection of cardio machines, resistance equipment, and a dedicated free-weights area. Members can also access personalized training programs and expert guidance from a team of professional coaches.
Beyond the main gym, the club includes several specialized studios for group exercise classes. These host a variety of workouts, including:
- BLAZE: A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class combining cardio, strength, and combat training.
- Rhythm: A high-energy indoor cycling class set to music.
- IGNITE: A challenging circuit-based workout designed to build strength and fitness.
- Mind & Body: Studios for yoga, Pilates, and other holistic wellness practices.
Spa and Relaxation Facilities
A central feature of the Bicester location is the luxurious Spa Retreat. This dedicated wellness area is designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, offering a range of hydrotherapy and heat experiences. The spa is an adult-only space, providing a quiet escape for members.
Spa Retreat Features
- Hydrotherapy pool
- Himalayan salt sauna
- Eucalyptus-infused steam room
- Ice fountain and feature showers
- Heated relaxation beds
- Outdoor spa garden
This emphasis on wellness aligns with a broader industry trend where consumers are seeking integrated health solutions that address both physical fitness and mental wellbeing. The extensive spa facilities are a key differentiator for the David Lloyd brand.
Family-Friendly and Social Spaces
David Lloyd clubs are well-known for their focus on families, and the Bicester site is no exception. The club features extensive facilities for children, managed under the DL Kids program. These include dedicated activity rooms, coaching for sports like tennis and swimming, and a supervised soft-play area.
The club is also designed to be a social hub. The central Clubroom offers a relaxed environment for members to work, socialize, and dine. It features an indoor restaurant and café area, as well as an outdoor terrace for use during warmer months. This space provides a comfortable setting for remote working or meeting with friends and family after a workout.
Racquet Sports and Swimming Pools
Staying true to its heritage, the new club offers premier racquet sports facilities. It includes multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as courts for squash and badminton. A team of certified coaches is available for lessons catering to all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Swimming is another key component of the club's offerings. The Bicester location features:
- A 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and lessons.
- A shallower indoor family pool for children.
- A 20-meter heated outdoor swimming pool, allowing for year-round outdoor swimming.
These comprehensive facilities ensure that the club can offer a full range of aquatic activities, from competitive training and adult swimming lessons to family fun sessions.
Impact on the Bicester Community
The arrival of the David Lloyd club is seen as a positive development for Bicester. Local leaders have welcomed the investment and the creation of new jobs. The facility enhances the town's leisure infrastructure, providing residents with a premium option for health and fitness that was previously unavailable in the immediate area.
The club is expected to attract members from Bicester and the surrounding towns and villages, further establishing the town as a key service center for North Oxfordshire. According to market analysis, the demand for such premium leisure facilities has been growing steadily, driven by an increased focus on health and wellness post-pandemic.
As the club opens its doors, its long-term success will depend on its ability to integrate into the community and deliver the high standard of service and facilities that members expect from the David Lloyd brand. The initial response has been strong, with significant interest reported in membership sign-ups ahead of the official opening.
