David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest health, wellness, and racquets club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, following a £15 million investment. The new facility, located at the Wendlebury Interchange, is expected to create over 100 new jobs and provide a comprehensive range of fitness and leisure amenities to the local community.
The Bicester club is the 104th location in the UK for the premium leisure group. It features state-of-the-art gym equipment, multiple swimming pools, extensive racquet sports courts, and dedicated family-friendly zones, positioning it as a significant new destination for health and wellness in the region.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has opened a new £15 million club in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The project has generated over 100 full-time and part-time jobs in the local area.
- The facility includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a high-tech gym, tennis courts, and a luxury spa.
- This opening marks the company's 104th club in the United Kingdom.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The development of the Bicester David Lloyd Club represents a significant financial commitment to the area. The £15 million project was designed to meet the growing demand for premium health and fitness services in Oxfordshire. Construction focused on creating a modern, multi-purpose space that caters to individuals, couples, and families.
According to company statements, the investment covers not only the physical building but also the installation of cutting-edge technology and equipment. The club is situated near Bicester Village and the new Graven Hill development, making it strategically positioned to serve a large residential and commercial population.
The creation of more than 100 new jobs is a notable economic benefit for Bicester. Roles range from fitness instructors and personal trainers to spa therapists, administrative staff, and food and beverage team members. This influx of employment opportunities contributes directly to the local economy.
Facility Features and Amenities
The Bicester club offers an extensive list of amenities designed to provide a complete wellness experience. Members have access to a wide variety of facilities under one roof.
Key features include:
- Gym and Fitness Studios: A large, open-plan gym with the latest Technogym equipment, including cardio machines, weightlifting stations, and functional training zones.
- Group Exercise Classes: Three dedicated studios for group fitness, offering over 130 classes per week, such as BLAZE, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, and SPIRIT, a holistic class combining yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- Swimming Pools: A 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The club also offers aqua aerobics classes and dedicated family swim times.
- Racquet Sports: Three indoor tennis courts, three outdoor tennis courts with an inflatable dome for winter use, plus badminton and pickleball courts.
The Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen a surge in popularity across the UK. The inclusion of dedicated pickleball courts at the new Bicester club reflects David Lloyd's strategy to cater to emerging fitness trends and provide diverse activities for its members.
Focus on Relaxation and Family
Beyond traditional fitness, the new club places a strong emphasis on relaxation and family-oriented services. The goal is to create a social hub where members can spend their leisure time.
The luxury spa area, known as the Spa Retreat, is a central feature. It provides a tranquil environment for members to unwind. Facilities within the spa include a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds. Spa members can also book a range of professional treatments.
"Our aim is to provide a comprehensive destination for the whole family to focus on their health and well-being," stated a representative for David Lloyd Clubs. "The Bicester club is more than just a gym; it's a community space where people can exercise, relax, and socialize."
Family-Friendly Offerings
David Lloyd Clubs has tailored a significant portion of its services to families. The Bicester location includes a dedicated DL Kids area with activities scheduled throughout the week for children aged three months to 16 years. These activities are designed to align with adult class schedules, allowing parents to work out while their children are supervised.
The club also features a soft-play frame, a family lounge, and specific family swim times. Coaching programs for children in tennis and swimming are also a core part of the offering, managed by certified instructors.
Did You Know?
The David Lloyd Leisure Group was founded in 1982 by former professional tennis player David Lloyd. The first club opened in Heston, Middlesex, with a primary focus on providing world-class tennis facilities for families.
The Clubroom and Social Space
A key component of the David Lloyd model is the integration of social spaces. The Bicester club includes a large, open-plan 'Clubroom' that functions as a café, bar, and restaurant. It offers a full menu with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, catering to different dietary needs.
This area is designed to be a versatile space where members can work, socialize, or relax after a workout. It features both indoor seating and an outdoor patio area, providing a comfortable environment for members to connect. The provision of free Wi-Fi and dedicated business zones also caters to professionals who may wish to work remotely from the club.
Membership and Community Impact
Membership for the new club is based on a tiered structure, offering different levels of access to facilities and services. The company expects the club to attract a diverse membership base from Bicester and the surrounding towns and villages. The opening has been met with considerable local interest, with founding member packages reportedly selling quickly.
The establishment of the club is seen as a positive addition to Bicester's growing infrastructure. As the town expands with new housing developments, the demand for high-quality leisure facilities has increased. The David Lloyd Club fills a gap in the market for a premium, family-focused health and wellness center.
Local officials have welcomed the investment, highlighting the dual benefits of job creation and the provision of new community amenities. The club is expected to not only serve residents but also attract visitors, further boosting the local economy.