David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest health and wellness facility in Bicester, Oxfordshire, following a £15 million investment. The new club, which began welcoming members this week, is expected to create approximately 120 new jobs in the local community.
Key Takeaways
- A new £15 million David Lloyd Club has opened in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The facility spans 100,000 square feet and includes advanced fitness and wellness amenities.
- The opening has generated around 120 new full-time and part-time jobs.
- Features include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, tennis courts, and dedicated family areas.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The new Bicester club represents a significant investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. The development, constructed over the past 18 months, is one of the largest in the David Lloyd Clubs portfolio. The company stated the project was designed to meet growing demand for premium health, fitness, and racquets facilities in the area.
The facility is located on the outskirts of Bicester, providing convenient access for residents of the town and surrounding villages. The project aims to provide a comprehensive wellness destination for individuals and families, combining fitness with social and relaxation spaces.
Extensive Facilities and Modern Equipment
The 100,000-square-foot club offers a wide range of amenities designed to cater to various fitness levels and interests. The centrepiece is a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands.
State-of-the-Art Gymnasium
The gym floor features a diverse selection of cardio and strength training equipment. Members have access to connected machines that allow for personalized workout tracking and progress monitoring. Dedicated zones for functional training, weightlifting, and flexibility are also included to provide a complete fitness experience.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £15 million
- Total Area: 100,000 sq ft
- Jobs Created: 120
- Tennis Courts: 10 (5 indoor, 5 outdoor)
- Swimming Pools: 2 (25m indoor, 20m outdoor)
- Group Studios: 4
Racquet Sports and Swimming Pools
A key feature of the new club is its extensive provision for racquet sports. It includes ten championship-standard tennis courts, split between five indoor acrylic courts and five outdoor artificial clay courts, allowing for year-round play. The club also offers badminton and squash courts.
For swimmers, the facility boasts both indoor and outdoor pools. A 25-meter indoor lap pool is available for serious swimmers, while a heated 20-meter outdoor pool provides a space for relaxation and family fun during warmer months. Swimming lessons and aqua aerobics classes are part of the regular schedule.
Focus on Wellness and Recovery
Beyond traditional fitness, the Bicester club places a strong emphasis on holistic wellness and recovery. A significant portion of the facility is dedicated to a luxury spa area, designed as a tranquil retreat for members.
The David Lloyd Clubs Brand
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Clubs operates over 130 clubs across the UK and Europe. The company is known for its premium, family-oriented facilities that combine fitness, racquets, and social activities. The opening in Bicester is part of its ongoing strategy to expand its presence in key regional locations.
The spa, known as the 'Spa Retreat', includes a range of hydrotherapy facilities. Members can use a large hydrotherapy pool, multiple saunas with different temperature profiles, crystal steam rooms, and an ice fountain. Heated relaxation beds and a dedicated outdoor spa garden complete the experience.
"Our goal was to create more than just a gym; we wanted to build a comprehensive wellness destination for the Bicester community," said Sarah Jenkins, the new club's General Manager. "The Spa Retreat is central to that vision, offering a space for members to relax, recover, and focus on their mental wellbeing."
Family-Friendly and Social Spaces
David Lloyd Clubs has built its brand on being family-friendly, and the Bicester location is no exception. The club features a dedicated 'DL Kids' area offering a wide range of activities for children, including sports coaching, arts and crafts, and supervised play sessions. This allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are engaged in safe and structured activities.
The social hub of the club is the Clubroom, a spacious café, bar, and restaurant area. It serves a menu focused on fresh, healthy ingredients and provides a comfortable space for members to socialize, work, or relax. An adults-only area and a dedicated business hub with workstations and Wi-Fi are also available.
Russell Barnes, CEO of David Lloyd Clubs, commented on the opening. "We are incredibly proud to open our new club in Bicester. This £15 million investment reflects our confidence in the area and our commitment to providing the best health, wellness, and fitness facilities. We look forward to becoming an active part of the local community."
Signature Group Fitness Classes
The club offers a packed timetable of over 130 group exercise classes each week, held across four specialized studios. These include a high-energy BLAZE studio, a boutique-style IGN1TE studio for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), a Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a group cycling studio. All classes are led by certified instructors and are included in the membership.
The opening of the Bicester club marks another step in the company's expansion. Local officials have welcomed the investment and the creation of new jobs, seeing it as a positive addition to the town's amenities and economy. The club is now fully operational and accepting new membership applications.