David Lloyd Clubs has confirmed plans to open a new £20 million luxury health and wellness facility in Speke, South Liverpool. The development is expected to create approximately 150 full-time and part-time jobs and will be situated near the New Mersey Shopping Park, with construction scheduled to begin later this year.
The state-of-the-art club will offer a comprehensive range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities, marking a significant investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. The opening is planned for late 2025, providing a major boost to the local economy.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: A £20 million investment into a new health and wellness club in Speke.
- Job Creation: The project will create around 150 new jobs in various roles, from management to fitness instruction.
- Extensive Facilities: The club will feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a large gym, tennis courts, a spa, and family activity areas.
- Strategic Location: Sited near the New Mersey Shopping Park, aiming to serve communities in South Liverpool and surrounding areas.
- Timeline: Construction is set to start in late 2024, with a target opening date in the fourth quarter of 2025.
A Landmark Investment for South Liverpool's Leisure Scene
The announcement of the new David Lloyd Club represents one of the largest private investments in South Liverpool's leisure sector in recent years. The £20 million project underscores the company's confidence in the city's economic growth and the rising demand for premium health and wellness services.
Positioned strategically to serve residents from Speke, Garston, Halewood, and beyond, the new club aims to become a central hub for community health. The development will occupy a previously underutilised plot of land, transforming it into a modern facility designed for individuals and families.
Background on David Lloyd Clubs
David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in the UK and Europe. Founded in 1982, the company operates over 130 clubs and is known for its high-quality facilities, particularly in racquet sports, swimming, and fitness. This new Liverpool club is part of a wider expansion strategy across the UK.
Local councillors have welcomed the news, highlighting the positive impact on both employment and public health. The investment is seen as a vote of confidence in the ongoing regeneration efforts across the Speke and Garston corridor.
"This is more than just a gym; it's a significant community asset that will bring jobs, investment, and first-class health facilities to South Liverpool. We are thrilled to see David Lloyd choose Speke for their latest venture, and we look forward to the benefits it will bring to our residents."
Inside the State-of-the-Art Facility
The proposed club is designed to cater to a wide range of fitness and leisure needs. Spanning over 100,000 square feet, the facility will incorporate cutting-edge equipment and dedicated zones for different activities. The company has stated its goal is to provide a 'complete wellness experience' under one roof.
Members will have access to a vast array of amenities, with a strong focus on both individual training and family-friendly activities. The design prioritises spacious, light-filled environments to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Key Features and Amenities
The club's offerings are extensive, aiming to set a new standard for leisure in the area. According to the initial plans, members can expect:
- Fitness and Gym: A large, open-plan gymnasium with over 150 pieces of modern equipment, including dedicated zones for strength training, cardio, and functional fitness.
- Swimming Pools: A 25-metre indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and a heated 20-metre outdoor pool, both accompanied by a separate indoor splash pool for children.
- Racquet Sports: Four indoor tennis courts and three outdoor courts, alongside badminton and squash courts. A comprehensive coaching program for all ages and abilities will be offered.
- Group Exercise Studios: Three dedicated studios for a variety of classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, Pilates, and cycling.
- Spa and Relaxation: A luxurious spa retreat featuring a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pools, and treatment rooms for massages and other wellness therapies.
- Family Facilities: A dedicated DL Kids area with activity rooms, a soft-play frame, and a full schedule of supervised activities for children.
- Clubroom and Restaurant: A spacious clubroom with an indoor and outdoor terrace, serving a menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. This area will also serve as a workspace with complimentary Wi-Fi.
Boosting Local Employment and the Economy
The creation of 150 new jobs is a significant aspect of this development. Recruitment for key management positions is expected to begin in early 2025, with a broader hiring drive for operational, fitness, and hospitality staff to follow in the summer.
Roles will be varied, including fitness instructors, tennis coaches, lifeguards, spa therapists, chefs, and front-of-house staff. The company has expressed a commitment to hiring from the local community wherever possible, providing valuable employment opportunities in the L24 postcode area and beyond.
Employment by the Numbers
- Total Jobs: ~150
- Full-Time Roles: Approximately 60%
- Part-Time Roles: Approximately 40%
- Recruitment Start: Q1 2025 for senior roles
Beyond direct employment, the construction phase will support numerous jobs in the local building trade. The club is also expected to source supplies and services from local businesses once operational, further contributing to the regional economy.
A New Era for Health and Wellness in Liverpool
The arrival of David Lloyd in Speke reflects a growing trend towards integrated health and wellness facilities that offer more than just a traditional gym. The focus on family activities, relaxation, and social spaces caters to a modern lifestyle where health is viewed holistically.
This development adds to the significant regeneration the Speke area has undergone over the past two decades, transforming from an industrial heartland into a major retail and business destination. The new club will complement existing amenities like the New Mersey Shopping Park and the Cineworld cinema, enhancing the area's appeal as a place to live, work, and socialise.
As construction begins, local residents can anticipate a new premium destination for fitness and leisure, promising to enhance community wellbeing and provide a significant economic boost for years to come.