David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened a new £11.5 million health and wellness facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, creating 70 new jobs in the local area. The new club, located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, marks the company's first location in the county and its first new build in the UK for several years.
The state-of-the-art facility spans 6,000 square metres and includes a wide range of amenities designed for fitness, relaxation, and family activities. Features include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, multiple group exercise studios, and dedicated spaces for children.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has invested £11.5 million in a new health and wellness club in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The new facility has created 70 full-time and part-time jobs for the local community.
- It is the first David Lloyd Club in Oxfordshire and the company's first new UK build in recent years.
- Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a comprehensive spa, a 100-station gym, and three Padel courts.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The opening of David Lloyd Bicester represents a significant investment in the health and leisure infrastructure of Oxfordshire. The £11.5 million project underscores the company's confidence in the region's growing demand for premium wellness services. Located strategically at Catalyst Bicester, the club is positioned to serve residents of the town and surrounding communities.
According to company officials, the development was carefully planned to offer a comprehensive experience. The creation of 70 jobs provides a welcome boost to the local economy, offering roles in fitness instruction, hospitality, and club management. This move aligns with a broader trend of investment in suburban and regional wellness facilities as more people seek high-quality amenities closer to home.
"We are so excited to be opening our brand-new club in Bicester," said Michelle Lenton-Johnson, Regional Manager at David Lloyd Clubs. "David Lloyd Bicester is our first new build club in the UK for some time and will be our first in Oxfordshire."
The club's management has emphasized its goal of becoming a central hub for the community. The facilities are designed not just for individual fitness but also for family activities and social gatherings, reflecting a modern approach to health club design.
Extensive Fitness and Training Facilities
The new Bicester club features a wide array of fitness options catering to various preferences and goals. The centerpiece is a large, 100-station gymnasium equipped with modern cardio and strength-training machines. This extensive setup ensures members have access to a full range of equipment for their workouts.
For group fitness enthusiasts, the club offers four dedicated studios:
- A High Energy Studio for fast-paced classes.
- A Mind & Body Studio for yoga, Pilates, and other holistic practices.
- A Cycle Hub for indoor cycling sessions.
- A BLAZE studio, offering a unique high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that combines cardio, strength, and combat elements.
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of David Lloyd Bicester, highlighted the club's diverse offerings. "The new club is a fantastic addition to the area and we’re excited to welcome new members from the local community," he stated. "We have a brilliant team who are dedicated to supporting our members on their health and wellness journey, whatever their goals."
Focus on Padel Tennis
The Bicester location includes three Padel courts, catering to the rising popularity of the sport. Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash, is recognized as one of the fastest-growing racket sports in Europe and is gaining significant traction in the UK.
Advanced Spa and Aquatic Amenities
A key attraction of the new David Lloyd Bicester is its extensive spa and aquatic area, designed to provide a premium relaxation and recovery experience. The club features both a 20-metre indoor swimming pool and a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming regardless of the weather.
The Spa Retreat
The club’s spa, known as the Spa Retreat, offers a comprehensive suite of thermal facilities. Members can access a range of experiences to unwind and rejuvenate, including:
- A Himalayan salt sauna
- A rainforest experience shower
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Heated relaxation beds
In addition to the indoor facilities, the club boasts an outdoor spa garden. This secluded area provides a tranquil space with its own sauna, offering a peaceful escape for members seeking quiet and relaxation.
The Growing Wellness Market
The global wellness market is experiencing significant growth, with consumers increasingly prioritizing physical and mental health. Facilities like David Lloyd Bicester, which combine fitness, relaxation, and social spaces, are well-positioned to meet this demand. The integration of luxury spa amenities with traditional gym offerings reflects a shift towards a more holistic view of health.
Family-Oriented Services and Social Spaces
Beyond its fitness and spa offerings, David Lloyd Bicester is structured to accommodate families and provide social spaces for all members. The club includes dedicated DL Kids facilities, offering activities and programs for children aged from three months to 16 years. This allows parents to use the club's amenities while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
The club's social hub is the Clubroom, a versatile space designed for multiple uses. It features an indoor area for dining and socializing, as well as a dedicated business zone for members who need a quiet place to work. This workspace integration caters to the rise of flexible and remote working arrangements.
An outdoor patio area provides additional space for members to relax, dine, and socialize, especially during warmer months. This focus on creating a well-rounded community environment is a core part of the David Lloyd brand strategy. The combination of family-friendly features, social spaces, and professional work zones aims to make the club an integral part of its members' daily lives, extending its function beyond just a place to exercise.
