David Lloyd Leisure Group has announced a £12.5 million investment to develop a new health, wellness, and racquets club in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The project, located at the Bicester Gateway business park, is expected to create approximately 80 permanent jobs and marks the company's 104th club in the UK.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with an anticipated opening in the spring of 2026. The facility will occupy a 3.3-acre site and aims to provide comprehensive leisure amenities for the local community and surrounding areas.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs is investing £12.5 million in a new facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The project will create around 80 permanent jobs upon completion.
- The club will be located at the Bicester Gateway business park and is set to open in spring 2026.
- Amenities will include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a large gym, racquet courts, and a spa.
Project Overview and Investment Details
The new David Lloyd Club represents a significant financial commitment to the Cherwell district. The £12.5 million investment covers land acquisition, construction, and state-of-the-art equipment for the facility. According to company statements, the development aims to meet the growing demand for premium health and wellness services in the region.
The chosen location at Bicester Gateway is strategic, offering accessibility from the A41 and proximity to both residential areas and the Bicester Village retail outlet. This placement is intended to attract a diverse membership base, including families, professionals, and fitness enthusiasts.
Construction is being managed by main contractor Pellikaan Construction Ltd., a firm with extensive experience in building leisure centers across Europe. The project's timeline indicates a construction start in early 2025, with a targeted completion and opening date in the spring of 2026.
Facility Amenities and Member Offerings
The Bicester club is designed to be a comprehensive destination for health and leisure. The plans detail a wide range of facilities aimed at catering to various interests and age groups.
Facility at a Glance
The new club will feature a 10,000 sq m floorspace, including a large gymnasium, multiple studios for group classes, and extensive spa facilities. This makes it one of the larger developments in the David Lloyd portfolio.
Health and Fitness Areas
At the core of the club will be a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. The space will include dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. Alongside the main gym, there will be several specialized studios.
These studios will host a variety of group exercise classes, including:
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
- Yoga and Pilates
- Group cycling
- Dance-based fitness classes
This diverse schedule is designed to accommodate different fitness levels and preferences, a hallmark of the David Lloyd brand.
Aquatic and Spa Facilities
A key feature of the new club will be its extensive aquatic offerings. The plans include both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. A separate indoor splash pool for children is also part of the design, catering to family members.
The spa area, branded as the 'Spa Retreat,' will provide a dedicated space for relaxation and recovery. It will feature a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and an outdoor spa garden, offering a premium wellness experience.
Racquet Sports and Family Services
Staying true to its origins, the new David Lloyd Club will have a strong focus on racquet sports. The facility will include three Padel courts, reflecting the sport's rising popularity in the UK. Additionally, there will be multiple tennis courts and facilities for badminton and squash.
The Rise of Padel
Padel, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has seen explosive growth in the UK. According to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the number of Padel courts in the country has nearly tripled since 2021. David Lloyd's inclusion of three courts at the Bicester site reflects this significant market trend.
The club is also designed to be family-friendly. A dedicated DL Kids area will provide activities and coaching for younger members. A crèche service will be available for parents using the facilities, and the club will feature a restaurant and café bar with both indoor and outdoor seating for members to socialize.
"We are thrilled to announce our investment in Bicester, a community we have been eager to join for some time. This new club will provide outstanding facilities for local residents and create a significant number of jobs, contributing positively to the local economy."
– Stuart Caswell, New Club Acquisitions Director at David Lloyd Leisure Group
Economic Impact and Community Response
The development is expected to have a notable economic impact on the Bicester area. The creation of approximately 80 new jobs will provide employment opportunities across various roles, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and maintenance. The construction phase will also support jobs in the local building trade.
The investment has been welcomed by local business leaders and council members, who see it as a vote of confidence in Bicester's economic growth. The addition of a premium leisure facility is seen as an enhancement to the town's amenities, making it a more attractive place to live and work.
The project aligns with the broader development of the Bicester Gateway business park, which aims to attract a mix of commercial, retail, and leisure enterprises. The David Lloyd Club will serve as an anchor tenant, likely driving further interest and investment in the area.
