David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest luxury health and wellness club in Trafford City, Manchester, following a significant multi-million pound investment. The new facility, representing a £32 million commitment, is designed to offer a comprehensive range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented services to the region.
The club's opening introduces over 100 new full-time and part-time jobs to the local economy. It features state-of-the-art amenities, including an expansive spa, multiple swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for remote working, positioning it as a premium destination in the North West's competitive leisure market.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new £32 million luxury club in Trafford City, Manchester.
- The project has created more than 100 new jobs in the local area.
- The facility includes a 1,000-square-metre spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a dedicated business hub.
- The opening is part of David Lloyd's broader strategy to invest in premium, family-focused wellness destinations across the UK.
A Major Investment in Regional Wellness
The new David Lloyd club in Manchester is one of the company's most significant investments in recent years. The £32 million project underscores a strong belief in the growing demand for premium health and wellness services outside of London. This development aims to set a new standard for leisure facilities in the North West of England.
Construction of the expansive site took approximately 18 months to complete. The facility occupies a prime location in Trafford City, an area already known as a major retail and leisure destination. This strategic placement is expected to attract a wide demographic, from families to young professionals.
According to company statements, the investment reflects a long-term commitment to providing high-quality, integrated lifestyle clubs. The focus is not just on fitness but on creating a community hub where members can work, socialize, and relax.
Inside the New Facility
The club offers a wide array of amenities designed to cater to diverse needs. The fitness area is equipped with the latest technology from leading brands, covering everything from cardio and strength training to functional fitness zones. Group exercise is a major focus, with multiple studios hosting over 130 classes each week.
Facility by the Numbers
- Total Investment: £32 million
- New Jobs Created: 100+
- Spa Size: 1,000 square metres
- Weekly Classes: 130+
- Tennis Courts: 5 indoor, 5 outdoor
Swimming facilities are extensive, featuring a 25-metre indoor pool and a 20-metre heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round use. A separate indoor splash pool for children makes the club particularly attractive to families.
The Spa Retreat and Wellness Focus
A central feature of the new Manchester club is its luxurious Spa Retreat. Spanning over 1,000 square metres, it is designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa is accessible to club members and offers a range of hydrotherapy and heat experiences.
Key features of the Spa Retreat include:
- A Himalayan salt sauna
- A citrus steam room
- An ice cave for cryotherapy
- A deep relaxation room with heated beds
- An outdoor spa garden with a sauna and hydro pool
This extensive spa offering aligns with the growing wellness trend, where consumers are seeking holistic health solutions that encompass both physical fitness and mental wellbeing. David Lloyd is positioning itself to capitalize on this shift by integrating premium spa services directly into its club model.
"Our new Manchester club represents the future of wellness. We've created a space that goes beyond a traditional gym, offering a complete lifestyle destination for our members. The investment in the Spa Retreat and family facilities reflects our understanding of what modern consumers want."
More Than Just a Gym: Business and Family Integration
Recognizing the rise of flexible and remote working, the club includes a dedicated business hub. This area, known as the Clubroom, provides members with high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and a quiet environment suitable for work. This feature aims to attract professionals who can integrate their work and fitness routines seamlessly.
The Evolution of the Health Club Model
Modern health clubs are evolving from simple gyms into comprehensive lifestyle centers. The integration of co-working spaces, high-end dining, and extensive spa facilities is a response to changing consumer lifestyles. Companies like David Lloyd are investing in this model to increase member engagement and create a 'third space' between home and the traditional office.
Family is another core component of the David Lloyd model. The Manchester club features a dedicated DL Kids area with activities scheduled around the adult class timetable. This allows parents to exercise while their children are engaged in supervised activities, removing a common barrier to fitness for families.
Market Position and Future Outlook
The opening of the Trafford City club solidifies David Lloyd's presence in the North West and places it in direct competition with other premium leisure providers. The scale of the investment and the breadth of its amenities are designed to give it a significant competitive advantage.
The company has indicated that this club will serve as a blueprint for future developments. The successful integration of luxury wellness, family services, and business facilities will likely be replicated in other key markets across the UK and Europe. As the wellness industry continues to grow, this integrated approach is expected to drive membership and revenue for the company.
The leisure sector has shown strong resilience, with consumers continuing to prioritize health and wellness spending. David Lloyd's strategy of investing in high-end, multi-purpose facilities appears well-positioned to meet this sustained demand.
