David Lloyd Leisure has expanded its UK presence with the opening of a new £12.5 million luxury health and wellness club in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The 94,000-square-foot facility, which opened its doors in late May 2024, has created approximately 80 new jobs and introduces a wide range of premium fitness and relaxation amenities to the growing community.
Located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, the new club represents a significant investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. It features state-of-the-art gym equipment, multiple swimming pools, a comprehensive spa, and courts for tennis and padel, positioning it as a premier destination for health, fitness, and family activities in the area.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £12.5 million in a new luxury club in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The 94,000 sq ft facility has generated around 80 local jobs.
- Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a large spa, a 100-station gym, and tennis and padel courts.
- The club is part of the Catalyst Bicester development, a major business and technology park.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The establishment of the David Lloyd Bicester club is a notable development for the town's leisure and employment landscape. The £12.5 million project underscores the company's confidence in the region's economic growth and demand for high-end wellness facilities. Construction of the club was a key phase in the development of the Catalyst Bicester business park, managed by commercial developer Albion Land.
The new club aims to provide a comprehensive experience that goes beyond a traditional gym. Its extensive facilities are designed to cater to individuals and families with diverse interests, from intense fitness training to relaxation and social gatherings. The creation of 80 full-time and part-time positions provides a welcome boost to the local economy, offering employment opportunities across various roles, including fitness instruction, hospitality, and operations.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £12.5 million
- Total Area: 94,000 square feet
- Jobs Created: Approximately 80
- Location: Catalyst Bicester, Oxfordshire
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of the new club, highlighted the company's commitment to the community. He stated that the goal was to create a destination that offers something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The club's design and offerings reflect a modern approach to wellness that integrates physical activity, mental well-being, and social connection.
Comprehensive Fitness and Training Facilities
At the core of the David Lloyd Bicester club is a spacious 100-station gym equipped with the latest fitness technology. The gym features a diverse range of cardio and strength-training equipment, allowing members to pursue a variety of workout routines. The layout is designed to accommodate both beginners and experienced athletes, with dedicated zones for different types of training.
Group Exercise Studios
A significant feature of the new facility is its four dedicated group exercise studios. Each studio is tailored for specific class types, enhancing the member experience.
- High Energy Studio: For fast-paced classes like HIIT and aerobics.
- Mind & Body Studio: A calm space for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- Cyclone Studio: For high-intensity indoor cycling classes.
- Boutique-Style Studio: Offering specialized classes in a more intimate setting.
This multi-studio approach allows the club to run a packed schedule of over 100 weekly classes, ensuring members have ample choice and availability. According to David Lloyd Leisure, this variety is key to maintaining member engagement and helping individuals achieve their fitness goals.
Extensive Spa and Swimming Amenities
The Bicester club places a strong emphasis on relaxation and recovery with its extensive spa and swimming facilities. These amenities are designed to provide a resort-like experience for members seeking to unwind and rejuvenate.
The Rise of Wellness Destinations
Modern health clubs are increasingly evolving from simple gyms into comprehensive wellness centers. This trend reflects a growing consumer demand for holistic health solutions that include not just physical fitness but also mental well-being, stress reduction, and social interaction. Facilities like the new David Lloyd club, with integrated spas and social spaces, are at the forefront of this industry shift.
The club boasts both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The outdoor pool area is complemented by a terrace, providing a space for relaxation during warmer months.
The Spa Experience
A central attraction is the luxurious indoor spa, which includes a hydro pool, a Finnish sauna, a steam room, and heated relaxation beds. This area is designed as a tranquil retreat for members to de-stress and soothe sore muscles after a workout.
In addition to the indoor facilities, the club features an outdoor Spa Garden. This secluded space offers a unique wellness environment with:
- An outdoor sauna
- Relaxation pods
- A fire pit
- Lounge seating
This combination of indoor and outdoor spa facilities provides a comprehensive thermal therapy circuit, a popular feature in premium wellness destinations.
Racquet Sports and Family Offerings
David Lloyd has a long-standing reputation for its racquet sports facilities, and the Bicester club continues this tradition. It includes five tennis courts, three of which are indoors with a bubble dome for all-weather play, and three outdoor padel courts. Padel, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is a key new offering aimed at attracting a wider range of members.
"We are thrilled to bring our first-class facilities to Bicester. Our aim is to provide a premium destination for the whole family to focus on their health and wellness," a company representative stated during the launch phase.
The club is also designed to be family-friendly. It includes dedicated DL Kids facilities with a variety of activities and coaching programs for younger members. This allows parents to use the gym or spa while their children are engaged in supervised activities. A dedicated family lounge and kids' pool further enhance the family-oriented environment.
Social and Business Hubs
Beyond fitness and wellness, the new David Lloyd club is positioned as a social hub for the community. The centerpiece of this is the Clubroom, a large, open-plan space with a restaurant and bar. It features an indoor lounge area and an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining.
Recognizing the shift towards flexible working, the club also incorporates a dedicated business hub. This co-working space provides members with a quiet and professional environment to work, featuring charging stations, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. This amenity caters to professionals and remote workers looking to combine their work and wellness routines in a single location.
The club's location within the Catalyst Bicester park, which is designed to be a hub for technology and advanced manufacturing, makes the business hub a particularly relevant feature for the local professional community. This integration of work, health, and social life reflects the evolving lifestyle needs of modern consumers.
