David Lloyd Clubs has confirmed plans to open a new £12 million health and wellness facility in Colchester, Essex. The project is expected to create more than 80 full-time and part-time jobs and will be located at the Northern Gateway Leisure Park, with an anticipated opening in late 2025.
The new club represents a significant investment in the local economy, providing a wide range of premium fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities. Construction is scheduled to begin in the final quarter of this year, pending final planning approvals.
Key Takeaways
- Investment: David Lloyd Clubs is investing £12 million into the new Colchester facility.
- Job Creation: The project is expected to generate over 80 new jobs in the local area.
- Location: The club will be part of the Northern Gateway Leisure Park in Colchester, Essex.
- Timeline: Construction is planned for late 2024, with a target opening date in late 2025.
- Facilities: The site will include a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pools, a spa, and family activity areas.
Details of the New Colchester Club
The planned David Lloyd Club in Colchester is set to become a flagship location for the brand in the East of England. The development will cover an area of approximately 9,500 square meters, designed to offer a comprehensive health and wellness experience.
According to the company's initial plans, the facility will be built with modern, energy-efficient materials. The design focuses on creating a welcoming environment for individuals and families seeking a premium leisure destination.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Wellness Amenities
Members of the new club will have access to a wide array of high-quality facilities. The plans detail several key areas designed to cater to different fitness and relaxation needs.
The central feature will be a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. This includes a variety of cardio machines, resistance training equipment, and a dedicated free weights area. Additionally, the club will offer several studios for group exercise classes, such as yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Facility Highlights
- Gymnasium: Over 1,200 square meters of dedicated gym space.
- Swimming Pools: A 25-meter indoor pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool.
- Racquet Sports: Four indoor tennis courts and three outdoor padel courts.
- Spa Facilities: A luxury spa retreat with a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The £12 million investment is a significant boost for the Colchester economy. The creation of more than 80 jobs will provide opportunities across various roles, including fitness instruction, hospitality, management, and maintenance.
Recruitment for these positions is expected to begin in mid-2025. The company has stated its commitment to hiring from the local community wherever possible, contributing to regional employment growth.
"We are thrilled to bring a new David Lloyd Club to Colchester. This development represents not only an investment in first-class wellness facilities but also a long-term commitment to the local community through job creation and economic contribution," said a spokesperson for David Lloyd Clubs.
The new club is also expected to attract visitors to the Northern Gateway Leisure Park, potentially benefiting other businesses in the complex. This synergy is a key part of the broader development strategy for the area.
About the Northern Gateway Leisure Park
The Northern Gateway Leisure Park is a major development project in Colchester designed to be a regional hub for entertainment and leisure. Alongside the planned David Lloyd Club, the park already features a cinema, several restaurants, and an indoor adventure climbing center. The addition of a premium health club is intended to complete the park's diverse offerings.
A Focus on Family and Community
David Lloyd Clubs has emphasized that the Colchester location will be designed with families in mind. The facility will include a dedicated DL Kids area, offering activities and coaching for children while parents use the club's other amenities.
The plans also feature a Clubroom, which will serve as a social hub for members. This area will include a restaurant and café offering healthy food and drinks, a business lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, and a family zone.
Enhancing Local Leisure Options
The arrival of a David Lloyd Club is expected to significantly enhance the leisure and wellness options available to residents in Colchester and the surrounding areas. The club aims to provide a premium, all-encompassing experience that goes beyond a standard gym.
The inclusion of padel courts reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the UK. This, combined with traditional tennis facilities, positions the club as a key destination for racquet sports enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the extensive spa and relaxation facilities, branded as the 'Spa Retreat,' are designed to offer a sanctuary for members to unwind. This holistic approach to health, combining physical activity with mental well-being, is a core part of the David Lloyd brand identity.
Timeline and Next Steps
With the initial announcement made, the project will now move through the final stages of the planning process with Colchester City Council. Construction is slated to begin before the end of 2024, with a projected build time of approximately 12 to 14 months.
If the timeline proceeds as planned, the new David Lloyd Club in Colchester will welcome its first members in the final quarter of 2025. Pre-membership sales and information events are expected to be announced closer to the opening date.
The development is seen as a vote of confidence in Colchester's economic future and its appeal as a growing hub for families and businesses in Essex. Local officials have expressed optimism about the project's potential to support community health and economic vitality.
