David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Rugby, Warwickshire, following an £11 million investment. The new facility, the 104th in the UK for the group, is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs and provide a comprehensive range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities to the local community.
The state-of-the-art club is located at the Rugby Gateway retail park and features a wide array of premium facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, advanced gym equipment, and dedicated studios for various exercise classes. This opening marks a significant expansion for the company and a major new addition to the leisure landscape of the region.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £11 million into a new club in Rugby, Warwickshire.
- The facility is the company's 104th club in the United Kingdom and 134th in Europe.
- Approximately 80 full-time and part-time jobs have been created for the local area.
- Key features include a 100-station gym, multiple swimming pools, a luxury spa, and both tennis and padel courts.
- The club aims to be a premium destination for families, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking wellness services.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The development of the Rugby club represents a significant capital injection into the local economy. The £11 million project underscores David Lloyd's confidence in the region's demand for premium health and leisure services. Construction and outfitting of the large-scale facility involved numerous local contractors and suppliers, providing a boost to the business community even before its official opening.
According to company statements, the goal was to create a comprehensive destination that caters to all aspects of health and wellbeing. This includes physical fitness, mental relaxation, and social connection. The facility is designed to serve a diverse membership base, from serious athletes to families looking for active leisure options.
David Lloyd Leisure's UK Presence
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure has grown to become Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure group. With the addition of the Rugby club, the company now operates 104 locations across the UK and a total of 134 clubs throughout Europe. The brand is known for its family-friendly approach and extensive range of high-quality facilities.
Inside the New Rugby Club
The new club offers an extensive list of amenities designed to provide a complete wellness experience. The facilities are spread across a spacious, modern building with distinct zones for different activities.
Advanced Fitness and Training Zones
At the heart of the club is a 100-station gym equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands. This includes a wide selection of cardio machines, resistance training equipment, and a large free-weights area. The gym is designed with an open-plan layout to provide a spacious and motivating environment for members.
For group fitness enthusiasts, the club features three dedicated studios:
- A High-Energy Studio: For fast-paced classes like HIIT and aerobics.
- A Mind & Body Studio: A calming space for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- A Cyclone Studio: For immersive indoor cycling classes with advanced bikes and virtual scenery.
Aquatic and Racquet Sport Facilities
A key attraction of the Rugby club is its extensive aquatic offering. Members have access to a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The outdoor area is complemented by a sun terrace and lounge seating.
For racquet sports, the club includes three indoor tennis courts and, notably, two outdoor Padel courts. Padel, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is a popular new addition to many David Lloyd locations.
The Rise of Padel
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the number of padel courts in the country is projected to grow by over 400% in the coming years. Its inclusion in the new Rugby club reflects a strategic move to cater to emerging fitness trends.
Spa and Relaxation Amenities
Beyond physical activity, the club places a strong emphasis on recovery and relaxation. The luxurious Spa Retreat is a central feature, offering a range of thermal experiences designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
Facilities within the spa area include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- A traditional Finnish sauna
- A crystal steam room
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden
This dedicated zone provides a tranquil escape for members to unwind and de-stress, separate from the more energetic areas of the club.
Family and Social Spaces
True to the David Lloyd brand, the Rugby club is designed to be family-friendly. It includes a dedicated DL Kids area with facilities and scheduled activities for children, allowing parents to use the club's amenities while their children are supervised.
The social hub of the facility is the Clubroom, which functions as a restaurant, café, and workspace. It offers a full menu of food and drinks in a relaxed setting. The space is also equipped with workstations and Wi-Fi, catering to the growing trend of remote working and providing a place for members to socialize or work outside of their training sessions.
"We are thrilled to bring our world-class facilities to Rugby. Our aim is to create more than just a gym; we want to build a community where families and individuals can spend quality time focusing on their health and happiness," a company spokesperson stated during the launch event.
Economic and Community Impact
The opening of the David Lloyd club is a positive development for the local economy. The creation of approximately 80 jobs provides a range of employment opportunities, from fitness instructors and spa therapists to administrative and hospitality staff. Many of these roles have been filled by local residents, contributing directly to the community's economic vitality.
The club is also expected to attract members from Rugby and the surrounding towns, further establishing the Rugby Gateway retail park as a key commercial destination. By providing high-quality leisure facilities, the club enhances the overall quality of life for residents and makes the area more attractive for new families and businesses considering relocation.
The long-term presence of a major brand like David Lloyd is seen as a vote of confidence in the economic future of Warwickshire, encouraging further investment and development in the region.
