David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and racquets club in North Oxford, following a £12 million investment into the property. The facility, which is the company's 102nd club in the UK, is located on the site of the former Virgin Active health club on Jack Straw’s Lane and is expected to create over 80 new jobs in the area.
The extensive redevelopment project, which took eight months to complete, has introduced a range of premium facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, multiple swimming pools, and extensive racquets courts. The opening marks a significant expansion for the David Lloyd brand and a major upgrade to the leisure amenities available to residents in Oxford.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd has opened a new club in North Oxford with a £12 million investment.
- The facility is located at the former Virgin Active site on Jack Straw’s Lane.
- The project created over 80 new jobs and is the 102nd David Lloyd club in the UK.
- Key features include a 100-station gym, indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, and extensive racquets courts.
- The club also offers dedicated family areas, a business lounge, and a Clubroom for dining.
A Major Redevelopment Project
The transformation of the North Oxford site represents one of David Lloyd Leisure's most significant recent investments. The company acquired the location from Virgin Active and immediately began an eight-month overhaul to bring the facility up to its premium standards.
According to the company, the £12 million was allocated to a complete refurbishment and expansion of the existing structures. This included gutting the interior, reconfiguring the layout, and constructing new additions to house amenities such as the spa and updated changing rooms. The goal was to create a modern, high-end environment for fitness, relaxation, and socializing.
Creating Local Employment
A key outcome of the new club's opening is its impact on the local economy. The facility has generated more than 80 new full-time and part-time positions. Roles range from fitness instructors and personal trainers to spa therapists, administrative staff, and food and beverage team members. This provides a notable boost to employment opportunities within the North Oxford community.
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of the new club, commented on the recruitment process. "We have assembled a fantastic team of local professionals who are passionate about health and wellness," he stated. "Our focus is on delivering exceptional service and creating a welcoming community for all our members."
Inside the New Facility
The North Oxford club offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to cater to individuals and families with diverse interests. The facilities are spread across a large campus, incorporating both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £12 million
- Gym Stations: 100+
- Swimming Pools: 3 (2 indoor, 1 outdoor)
- Tennis Courts: 13 (6 indoor, 7 outdoor)
- Spa Facilities: 5 unique experiences
- New Jobs: Over 80
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Gym
At the heart of the club is a newly equipped, 100-station gym. It features a wide array of modern fitness equipment, including cutting-edge cardio machines, resistance training systems, and a large free-weights area. The gym floor is designed with an open-plan layout to provide ample space for various workout styles.
In addition to the main gym, the club includes three dedicated group exercise studios. These studios will host a packed timetable of classes, with more than 130 sessions scheduled each week. Offerings include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, Pilates, and the David Lloyd exclusive BLAZE workout, which combines cardio, strength, and combat training in a boutique-style studio.
Swimming and Spa Facilities
The club's aquatic facilities have been significantly upgraded. Members have access to a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a separate, warmer indoor pool designed for children's swimming lessons. During the summer months, a 20-meter outdoor pool provides a space for leisure and exercise in the open air.
"Our goal was to create a destination where members can focus on their physical and mental wellbeing. The Spa Garden is central to that vision, offering a tranquil escape from the stresses of daily life."
A major highlight is the new luxury Spa Garden. This dedicated wellness area features five distinct experiences:
- A hydro pool
- A sauna
- A steam room
- Heated beds
- An outdoor relaxation zone
This spa retreat is designed to provide members with a place for relaxation and recovery after workouts or as a standalone wellness experience.
Racquets and Family-Friendly Features
Staying true to its heritage as a racquets-focused club, the North Oxford location boasts extensive tennis facilities. There are a total of 13 tennis courts, including six indoor courts for year-round play and seven outdoor courts. The club also offers four badminton courts and two squash courts, catering to a wide range of racquet sports enthusiasts.
David Lloyd Leisure Background
Founded in 1982 by former professional tennis player David Lloyd, the company started with a single club in Heston, Middlesex. It has since grown to become one of Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure groups, operating 133 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe. The brand is known for its premium, family-oriented facilities with a strong emphasis on racquet sports.
Dedicated Spaces for Families and Professionals
The club is designed to be inclusive for all ages. A dedicated DL Kids area provides facilities and activities for younger members, including play areas and a structured coaching program for sports. This family-centric approach allows parents to use the gym or attend classes while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
For members who need to combine work and wellness, the club includes a business lounge. This space offers a quiet environment with complimentary Wi-Fi, creating a flexible workspace for professionals. Following a workout or meeting, members can use the Clubroom, an integrated restaurant and bar area that serves a full menu of meals and drinks throughout the day.
Community Impact and Membership
The opening of the David Lloyd club brings a new premium leisure option to North Oxford and the surrounding areas. The significant investment indicates confidence in the local market for high-end health and fitness services.
General Manager Jack Phillips expressed his enthusiasm for the launch. "After months of hard work and transformation, we are incredibly proud to open the doors to David Lloyd North Oxford," he said. "We believe this club will become a key part of the community, offering a place for people to improve their health, spend time with family, and connect with others."
Membership inquiries have been active since the project was announced, and the club is expected to build a strong member base quickly. The combination of comprehensive fitness options, luxury spa facilities, and family-oriented spaces positions it as a unique offering in the local leisure market.
