David Lloyd Clubs has announced a significant £20 million investment to develop a new luxury health, spa, and racquet club in Bicester, Oxfordshire. The project is expected to create over 100 new jobs and provide a state-of-the-art wellness destination for the region.
The new facility, set to open in the spring of 2025, will be located in the Catalyst Bicester business park. It will feature a wide range of premium amenities, including a spa retreat, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and extensive fitness and racquet sports facilities, catering to individuals and families.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: David Lloyd Clubs is investing £20 million in the new Bicester location.
- Job Creation: The facility is projected to create more than 100 full-time and part-time jobs in the local community.
- Premium Facilities: The club will include a 100-station gym, a luxury spa, multiple swimming pools, and extensive racquet courts.
- Strategic Location: Situated in the Catalyst Bicester business park, the club aims to serve the growing population of Oxfordshire.
- Opening Timeline: The new David Lloyd Bicester is scheduled to open its doors in Spring 2025.
Details of the New Bicester Location
The planned David Lloyd Bicester club will be a comprehensive wellness center designed to meet modern fitness and relaxation needs. The development will cover a substantial area, offering a diverse range of high-end facilities for members.
At the heart of the club will be a 100-station gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. This will include dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness, providing a complete workout experience for all fitness levels.
Adjacent to the gym, members will find several purpose-built studios. These will host a variety of group exercise classes, including High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), yoga, Pilates, and cycling. The diverse class schedule is designed to offer more than 100 classes per week.
Background on David Lloyd Leisure
David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe, operating 133 clubs across nine countries. The company was founded in 1982 and has grown to serve over 750,000 members. Its focus is on providing premium, family-oriented facilities that combine fitness, relaxation, and social activities.
Swimming facilities will be a major highlight of the new club. Plans include a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. A separate indoor splash pool for children will also be available, reinforcing the club's family-friendly approach.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club will feature multiple tennis courts with various surfaces, as well as courts for squash and badminton. These facilities will be complemented by coaching programs for both adults and children.
Luxury Spa and Wellness Offerings
A central feature of the Bicester location will be its luxurious Spa Retreat. This dedicated wellness area is designed to provide a tranquil environment for relaxation and rejuvenation, separate from the main fitness areas of the club.
The spa will offer a range of hydrotherapy experiences. This includes a hydro pool, sauna, steam room, and an ice fountain. These facilities are designed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and aid muscle recovery.
"Our goal with the Bicester club is to create a first-class destination that offers the very best in health and wellness for the whole family. This £20 million investment reflects our confidence in the region and our commitment to providing exceptional facilities for our members."
The Spa Retreat will also feature an outdoor spa garden. This secluded space will include relaxation zones, sun loungers, and an outdoor sauna, allowing members to unwind in a natural setting. A variety of spa treatments and therapies are also expected to be available.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development of the David Lloyd Bicester club represents a significant economic boost for the local area. The £20 million investment will create numerous jobs during the construction phase and establish long-term employment opportunities once the facility is operational.
The company anticipates creating over 100 new jobs upon opening. These positions will span a range of roles, including:
- Fitness instructors and personal trainers
- Swimming and tennis coaches
- Spa therapists and wellness staff
- Club management and administration
- Food and beverage team members
- Membership and sales advisors
The recruitment process is expected to begin in late 2024, with a focus on hiring from the local community. This influx of jobs will contribute to the economic vitality of Bicester and the surrounding Cherwell district.
UK Health and Fitness Market Growth
According to recent market analysis, the UK health and fitness club market is valued at over £5 billion. The industry has shown strong recovery post-pandemic, with a growing consumer demand for premium and boutique wellness experiences that integrate fitness, relaxation, and social spaces.
Beyond direct employment, the club is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local economy. It will likely attract members from a wide radius, potentially increasing footfall for other businesses in the Catalyst Bicester park and the wider town.
Strategic Expansion and Membership
The selection of Bicester for this major investment is a strategic move by David Lloyd Leisure. The town is part of a key growth corridor in Oxfordshire, with a rapidly expanding population and a strong demographic for premium leisure services.
The club's location within the Catalyst Bicester science and technology park positions it to serve both the local residential community and the professional workforce in the area. This aligns with the company's strategy of placing clubs in high-growth suburban locations.
Stoford, the developer behind Catalyst Bicester, has welcomed the addition of the David Lloyd Club as a key amenity for the park. The facility is expected to enhance the appeal of the business park for prospective tenants and their employees.
While the club is not scheduled to open until Spring 2025, prospective members can register their interest online. Information regarding membership packages, pricing, and founding member offers is expected to be released closer to the opening date.
The development represents one of David Lloyd's most significant investments in a new club in recent years, signaling a continued focus on expanding its portfolio of high-end health and leisure destinations across the UK.
