David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, following an £11.5 million investment. The new facility, located at the Bicester Business Park, is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs and provide a wide range of premium fitness and leisure services to the local community.
The club, which is the 103rd in the UK for the David Lloyd group, features state-of-the-art equipment, multiple swimming pools, and extensive family-oriented amenities. This opening marks a significant expansion for the company and a major new addition to Bicester's leisure landscape.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, representing an £11.5 million investment.
- The facility is located at the Bicester Business Park on the A41.
- The project has created approximately 80 full-time and part-time jobs in the area.
- Key features include a 100-station gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and extensive racquet sports facilities.
- The club is designed to cater to families with dedicated kids' areas and activities.
A Comprehensive Health and Wellness Destination
The new Bicester club is designed to be a comprehensive destination for health, fitness, and relaxation. Spanning a significant area, the facility aims to cater to a diverse membership base, from serious athletes to families seeking recreational activities.
The centerpiece of the club is its expansive 100-station gym. According to David Lloyd, the gym is equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands, including advanced cardio machines with interactive displays, a large free-weights area, and specialized functional training zones. This setup is intended to support various workout styles and fitness levels.
In addition to the main gym, the club offers several boutique-style studios for group exercise. These dedicated spaces will host a full timetable of classes, including popular options like yoga, Pilates, spinning, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts such as BLAZE. This multi-studio approach allows for a diverse range of classes to run simultaneously.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £11.5 million
- UK Club Number: 103
- Gym Size: 100+ stations
- Swimming Pools: 2 (25m indoor, 20m outdoor)
- Tennis Courts: 3 indoor, 3 outdoor
- Jobs Created: Approximately 80
Focus on Aquatics and Spa Facilities
A major draw for the new Bicester location is its extensive aquatic and spa facilities. The club features both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, providing members with year-round swimming options. The 25-meter indoor pool is designed for lane swimming and lessons, while the 20-meter outdoor pool offers a space for relaxation and family fun, especially during warmer months.
Adjacent to the aquatic area is the club's luxury spa, known as the Spa Retreat. This area is designed as a tranquil escape for adult members. It includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, and an ice fountain. The inclusion of these premium wellness features aligns with a growing industry trend focused on recovery and mental well-being alongside physical fitness.
"Our goal was to create a destination that offers more than just a place to work out. The Bicester club is about providing a complete lifestyle experience for our members, where they can focus on their physical and mental health in a premium environment."
The spa facilities are complemented by outdoor relaxation zones, including a spa garden with sun loungers. This design allows members to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor wellness experiences.
Racquet Sports and Family Amenities
Staying true to its heritage, the David Lloyd Bicester club places a strong emphasis on racquet sports. The facility includes three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts, all built to championship standards. The club will offer coaching programs for all ages and skill levels, run by certified professionals. Additionally, there are facilities for other racquet sports like badminton and squash.
The club is also explicitly designed to be family-friendly. A dedicated DL Kids area provides a safe and engaging space for younger members, with a full schedule of supervised activities. This allows parents to use the gym or attend classes while their children are entertained. The club also features an indoor soft-play area and offers specialized coaching programs for children in swimming and tennis.
David Lloyd Leisure's UK Presence
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is one of Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure groups. The opening of the Bicester club brings its total number of UK locations to 103, with an additional 30 clubs across mainland Europe. The company has continued to invest in new sites and refurbish existing ones, focusing on providing premium, family-oriented facilities.
The Clubroom and Social Space
A key component of the David Lloyd model is the social aspect. The Bicester club includes a large, open-plan 'Clubroom' that serves as a central hub. This area includes a restaurant and bar, offering a range of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. It is designed as a versatile space where members can work, socialize, or relax after a workout.
The Clubroom also features a dedicated business area with charging stations and Wi-Fi, catering to the growing number of people who work remotely. An adults-only area provides a quiet space for members seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. This focus on creating a community feel is a core part of the company's strategy to retain members and differentiate itself from budget gym chains.
Economic Impact and Community Response
The £11.5 million investment in Bicester represents a significant economic boost for the local area. The creation of approximately 80 new jobs covers a range of roles, from fitness instructors and spa therapists to management and hospitality staff. The club's location in the Bicester Business Park is also expected to attract more visitors to the area, potentially benefiting other local businesses.
Local officials have welcomed the new development, citing its contribution to employment and the enhancement of leisure facilities available to residents. The premium nature of the club is seen as a positive addition to the town's amenities, aligning with the ongoing growth and development in the Bicester region.
Membership sales for the new club began several months prior to its opening, with the company reporting strong initial interest from the community. The launch signifies confidence in the demand for premium health and wellness services outside of major metropolitan centers.
