David Lloyd Leisure Group has officially opened its newest club in Bicester, Oxfordshire, marking the company's 104th location in the United Kingdom. The new facility, part of the Bicester Motion development, represents a significant investment in the region's health and wellness infrastructure, creating over 100 new jobs.
The multi-million-pound club offers a comprehensive range of fitness and leisure amenities designed for families and individuals. The opening is a key component of David Lloyd's ongoing expansion strategy, which focuses on bringing premium health and racquets clubs to new communities across the country.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has opened its 104th UK club in Bicester, Oxfordshire.
- The new facility is located within the Bicester Motion heritage and technology site.
- The project created more than 100 permanent jobs in the local community.
- Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts, a spa, and family-friendly spaces.
A Strategic Location and Significant Investment
The new David Lloyd Bicester is strategically situated within the Bicester Motion site, a unique 444-acre estate dedicated to mobility technology and heritage. This placement aligns the club with a hub of innovation and community activity, aiming to serve the growing population of Bicester and surrounding areas.
The development of the club involved a substantial capital investment, although the exact figure has not been publicly disclosed. Industry estimates for similar large-scale facilities typically range from £15 million to £25 million. This investment underscores the company's confidence in the local market and its commitment to providing high-quality leisure services.
About David Lloyd Leisure Group
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is one of Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure groups. It operates 133 clubs, with 104 in the UK and 29 more across mainland Europe. The company is known for its premium, family-oriented facilities that combine fitness, racquets sports, and relaxation amenities.
The construction and operational launch have generated significant local employment. Over 100 new roles have been filled, spanning positions from fitness coaches and tennis professionals to spa therapists and hospitality staff. This provides a notable boost to the local economy.
Comprehensive Facilities for All Ages
The Bicester club is designed to cater to a wide demographic, with a strong emphasis on family-friendly activities and premium wellness experiences. The facilities are spread across a spacious, modern complex designed for year-round use.
Fitness and Training Areas
At the core of the club is a large, state-of-the-art gym floor. It features a wide array of modern equipment, including the latest cardio machines, resistance training systems, and a dedicated free weights area. The gym is designed with distinct zones to accommodate different workout styles, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to functional fitness.
In addition to the main gym, the club offers several specialized studios for group exercise classes. These include:
- A Mind & Body Studio: For yoga, Pilates, and other holistic wellness classes.
- A High-Impact Studio: For energetic classes like BodyPump™ and circuit training.
- A Group Cycling Studio: Featuring advanced stationary bikes for immersive spin classes.
The club plans to offer more than 100 group exercise classes per week, all led by certified instructors.
By The Numbers: Bicester Facility
The new David Lloyd Bicester features a 20-metre indoor pool, a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, 7 outdoor tennis courts, and a 1,200 square metre gym floor. The Spa Garden includes an outdoor sauna, hydro-pool, and relaxation zones.
Focus on Racquets and Swimming
Staying true to its heritage, the David Lloyd brand has made racquets sports a central feature of the Bicester club. The facility boasts seven championship-standard outdoor tennis courts. The courts are designed for all-weather play, allowing members to enjoy tennis throughout the year. A comprehensive coaching program is available for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
Swimming is another key component of the club's offerings. It features both indoor and outdoor pools to provide options for all seasons and preferences.
- Indoor Pool: A 20-metre pool is available for lane swimming, aqua aerobics classes, and family swim sessions.
- Heated Outdoor Pool: A larger 25-metre outdoor pool allows for year-round swimming and is complemented by a sun terrace for warmer months.
The club also runs a 'Swim All Stars' program, offering structured swimming lessons for children and adults.
Wellness and Relaxation Amenities
Beyond traditional fitness, the Bicester location places a strong emphasis on recovery and mental wellbeing. The club includes a luxurious spa area designed as a sanctuary for relaxation. The highlight is the Spa Garden, an outdoor wellness space featuring a hydro-pool, a sauna, and comfortable loungers set in a tranquil, landscaped environment.
"Our goal is to create a destination where families can spend quality time together, focusing on their health and wellbeing. Bicester is a thriving community, and we are excited to become a part of it," a company spokesperson stated during the launch event.
Inside, the spa facilities continue with a sauna, steam room, and an ice fountain. These amenities are designed to help members unwind and recover after workouts, promoting both physical and mental health.
Family and Social Spaces
A significant part of the David Lloyd model is its appeal to families. The Bicester club includes extensive facilities for younger members. A dedicated 'DL Kids' area provides a safe and engaging space for children with structured activities, arts and crafts, and sports-based games. This allows parents to use the gym or attend classes while their children are supervised.
The social hub of the club is the Clubroom, a spacious café, bar, and restaurant area. It serves a menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. The Clubroom is designed as a versatile space where members can work, socialize with friends, or relax with family after a workout.
For professionals, the club also offers an adults-only business area with workstations and Wi-Fi, allowing members to combine their work and wellness routines in one location. This integration of lifestyle elements is a key part of the brand's strategy to retain members and build a strong community feel within the club.