David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new £12.5 million health and wellness facility in Bicester, creating approximately 80 new jobs in the area. The club, located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, offers a wide range of fitness and relaxation amenities for individuals and families.
The new location is part of the company's ongoing expansion and represents a significant investment in the local community. It features advanced gym equipment, multiple fitness studios, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and extensive spa facilities designed to provide a comprehensive wellness experience.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd has launched a new health club in Bicester with a £12.5 million investment.
- The facility has created around 80 full-time and part-time jobs.
- Key features include a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa garden, and dedicated family areas.
- The club is located at the Catalyst Bicester business park, adding a major wellness amenity to the commercial development.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The arrival of the David Lloyd club in Bicester marks a substantial addition to the town's leisure and wellness offerings. The £12.5 million investment underscores the company's confidence in the local market and its commitment to providing premium health facilities.
Construction of the club has been a significant project for the area, culminating in a modern facility designed to meet diverse fitness and lifestyle needs. The creation of 80 jobs provides a welcome boost to the local economy, offering roles in fitness instruction, hospitality, management, and operations.
Catalyst Bicester Development
The new David Lloyd club is a cornerstone of the Catalyst Bicester business park, a major commercial development focused on advanced manufacturing and technology. The inclusion of a premium wellness facility is intended to create a vibrant work-life environment, attracting businesses and talent to the area by offering high-quality amenities on-site.
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of the new club, has spoken about the company's excitement in joining the Bicester community. He emphasized the goal of providing a space where members can focus on their physical and mental wellbeing.
"We are thrilled to bring our state-of-the-art facilities to Bicester. Our aim is to offer a premium destination for the whole family to relax, socialise, and focus on their health and wellness."
Comprehensive Fitness and Training Facilities
The heart of the new David Lloyd club is its extensive gym and fitness area. The space is equipped with the latest technology to cater to all workout preferences, from cardio and strength training to functional fitness.
The High-Tech Gymnasium
The gym floor features a wide array of modern equipment, including treadmills, cross-trainers, and weight machines. A key highlight is the integration of EGYM technology, a smart fitness system that guides users through personalized workout plans. Members can use the EGYM equipment to track their progress, receive guidance on proper form, and automatically adjust resistance levels for an optimized session.
This smart technology is designed to make strength training more accessible and effective for people of all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. The system records every workout, allowing members and trainers to monitor performance over time.
What is EGYM?
EGYM is a circuit of smart strength training machines that connect to a user's digital profile. The machines automatically set the correct weight and configuration for the user, guide their movements, and track their performance, making workouts more efficient and data-driven.
Diverse Group Exercise Studios
Beyond the main gym, the Bicester club includes several specialized studios for group exercise classes. This multi-studio setup allows for a varied timetable of activities running concurrently.
- BLAZE Studio: A boutique-style studio offering high-intensity interval training (HIIT) that combines cardio, strength, and combat exercises.
- IGN1TE Studio: Another high-energy space for challenging HIIT workouts designed to push physical limits.
- SPIRIT Studio: A holistic studio dedicated to yoga, Pilates, and meditation, providing a calm environment for mind and body workouts.
- Cycle Hub: A dedicated indoor cycling studio for high-energy spin classes with immersive sound and lighting.
The club offers a wide range of classes, with over 100 scheduled each week, ensuring members have ample choice to fit their schedules and fitness goals.
Relaxation and Spa Amenities
A significant portion of the new club is dedicated to relaxation and recovery, centered around its luxurious Spa Garden. This area is designed to provide a tranquil escape for members to unwind and rejuvenate.
The spa facilities are comprehensive and include several thermal experiences:
- An outdoor hydro pool
- A traditional Finnish sauna
- A crystal steam room
- A salt steam room
- Deep relaxation beds
This combination of heat, steam, and water therapies is designed to soothe muscles, reduce stress, and promote overall mental wellbeing. The Spa Garden provides an all-weather sanctuary that can be enjoyed year-round, offering a resort-like experience within the club.
Family-Friendly Features and Social Spaces
David Lloyd has designed the Bicester club to be a destination for the entire family. This includes dedicated facilities for children and social spaces for members to work, dine, and connect.
DL Kids and Childcare
The club features a dedicated DL Kids area with scheduled activities for children aged 3 months to 16 years. This allows parents to enjoy their workouts or relax in the spa while their children are engaged in supervised, age-appropriate activities. The club also offers a crèche service for younger children.
For families, the club provides indoor and outdoor splash pools, making it a safe and fun environment for children to learn to swim and play.
The Clubroom and Workspace
Recognizing the rise of flexible working, the club includes a spacious Clubroom that serves as a multi-purpose social hub. It functions as a restaurant and bar, offering a menu of fresh and healthy meals throughout the day.
Additionally, the Clubroom is equipped as a dedicated workspace with comfortable seating, power outlets, and Wi-Fi. This allows members to work remotely in a relaxed environment before or after their workout, blending their professional and personal lives seamlessly.
"The inclusion of a dedicated workspace acknowledges the changing needs of our members," a company spokesperson noted. "We want the club to be an integral part of their daily routine, not just a place to exercise."
Aquatic Facilities for All Seasons
Swimming is a core component of the David Lloyd offering, and the Bicester club features both indoor and outdoor pools to ensure year-round access.
The 20-meter indoor pool is ideal for lane swimming and lessons, while the 25-meter heated outdoor pool allows for open-air swimming regardless of the weather. The presence of both options provides flexibility for members, whether they are training for an event or enjoying a leisurely swim with family.
The club also offers swimming lessons for both adults and children, catering to all ability levels from beginners to advanced swimmers looking to improve their technique.