David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its new £25 million facility in Trafford Park, Manchester, creating approximately 150 new jobs in the local area. The state-of-the-art club, which began welcoming members this week, represents one of the company's most significant investments in the North West of England in the last decade.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Trafford Park, Manchester, following a £25 million investment.
- The development has created around 150 new full-time and part-time employment opportunities.
- The facility spans over 100,000 square feet and includes extensive fitness, spa, and family-oriented amenities.
- Features include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa retreat, multiple tennis courts, and a dedicated business hub.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new Trafford Park facility is a significant addition to the David Lloyd portfolio and the local community. The £25 million project was completed over an 18-month construction period and aims to provide a comprehensive health, wellness, and leisure destination for families and individuals in the Greater Manchester area.
Company officials stated that the investment underscores their commitment to promoting active lifestyles. The club is designed to cater to a wide demographic, from young children to senior citizens, with facilities and programs tailored to various age groups and fitness levels.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
One of the most immediate benefits to the local economy is the creation of approximately 150 jobs. These roles span various departments, including fitness coaching, hospitality, facility management, and administration. The recruitment process focused on hiring from the local talent pool where possible.
According to a statement from the club's new General Manager, Sarah Jenkins, the opening marks a new chapter for the brand in the region.
"We are incredibly proud to open the doors to David Lloyd Trafford Park. This club is the culmination of extensive planning and a significant financial commitment to create a first-class environment for health and wellbeing. Our goal is to be more than just a gym; we want to be a central part of the community."
Background on David Lloyd Clubs
David Lloyd Leisure was founded in 1982 and has grown to become one of Europe's leading health and leisure groups. The company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe, offering a combination of fitness facilities, racquet sports, and family activities. The brand is known for its premium, family-friendly environment.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The Trafford Park club boasts an impressive range of amenities spread across its expansive 100,000-square-foot site. The design focuses on providing a holistic experience, blending fitness with relaxation and social spaces.
Fitness and Swimming Facilities
The core of the club is its extensive gym, which is equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands. The gym floor is zoned into different areas for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. Members have access to a wide variety of group exercise classes, including the signature BLAZE high-intensity interval training (HIIT) studio.
Key fitness features include:
- A large, open-plan gym with over 200 pieces of equipment.
- Three dedicated group exercise studios offering more than 100 classes per week.
- A state-of-the-art indoor cycling studio.
- Personal training services with certified fitness coaches.
The aquatic facilities are a major highlight, featuring both a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a 20-metre heated outdoor pool. This allows for year-round swimming regardless of the weather. The club also offers swimming lessons for all ages and abilities through its Swim Stars program.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £25 million
- Total Area: 100,000 sq ft
- New Jobs: ~150
- Tennis Courts: 5 (3 indoor, 2 outdoor)
- Indoor Pool: 25 metres
- Outdoor Pool: 20 metres
Beyond the Gym: Spa, Racquets, and Family Areas
A key differentiator for David Lloyd Clubs is the breadth of its offerings beyond traditional gym equipment. The Trafford Park location places a strong emphasis on wellness, racquet sports, and family-friendly spaces.
The Luxury Spa Retreat
A significant portion of the facility is dedicated to the Spa Retreat, designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. This area is separate from the main fitness areas to ensure a tranquil atmosphere. It includes a hydrotherapy pool, multiple saunas, steam rooms, and heated relaxation beds.
Members can access a range of spa experiences, from a Finnish sauna to a crystal steam room, providing a comprehensive thermal journey. This focus on recovery and mental wellbeing is a central part of the club's philosophy.
Racquet Sports and Family Zones
Staying true to its heritage, the club offers excellent racquet sport facilities. There are five championship-standard tennis courts—three indoor and two outdoor—along with facilities for badminton and squash. Professional coaching is available for players of all levels.
For families, the club includes a dedicated DL Kids area with a full schedule of supervised activities. This allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are engaged in age-appropriate games and creative sessions. There is also a soft-play area for younger children.
A Modern Approach to Club Life
The new club also incorporates modern lifestyle trends, recognizing that members often need to balance work, fitness, and social life. A dedicated business hub, known as the Clubroom, provides a comfortable space for remote working. It features high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and quiet zones.
The Clubroom also serves as the club's primary social space, with a restaurant and bar offering a menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. This area is designed to encourage members to socialize and spend time at the club beyond their workouts.
"We've designed this club for the modern family and professional," added Sarah Jenkins. "You can come for a workout, take a swim, relax in the spa, and then catch up on emails in our business hub. It’s about integrating wellness into every part of your day."
The opening of the Trafford Park club is part of a broader expansion strategy for David Lloyd, which continues to identify new locations for its premium, multi-purpose leisure centres across the UK and Europe. The response from the local community has been positive, with strong initial membership sign-ups reported.