A new £25 million David Lloyd Club has officially opened its doors in Speke, Liverpool, creating approximately 150 new full-time and part-time jobs for the local community. The state-of-the-art facility, located on a redeveloped site near the New Mersey Shopping Park, represents a significant investment in the city's health and wellness infrastructure.
The club offers a wide range of premium health, spa, fitness, and racquets facilities, aiming to provide a comprehensive family-friendly leisure destination for South Liverpool residents and the wider Merseyside area. The opening marks the latest expansion for the David Lloyd Leisure group in the North West.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Speke, Liverpool, following a £25 million investment.
- The development has created around 150 new jobs in various roles, including management, fitness instruction, and hospitality.
- The facility includes advanced gym equipment, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and extensive racquets courts.
- Special features include Padel tennis courts and a dedicated DL Kids area to cater to families.
A Major Investment in Local Wellness
The new David Lloyd Speke is one of the company's most ambitious projects in the region. The construction and fitting of the club involved a total capital investment of £25 million, signalling strong confidence in the local economy. The facility is designed to meet the growing demand for premium health and fitness services in the area.
The club's General Manager, Sarah Jenkins, spoke about the vision for the new site. She explained that the goal was to create more than just a gym, but a complete lifestyle destination where members can spend the entire day.
"We are incredibly proud to open this fantastic facility in Speke. Our aim is to provide an exceptional experience for all our members, whether they are focused on fitness, relaxation, or spending quality time with their families. This club is a testament to David Lloyd's commitment to investing in communities and promoting healthier lifestyles."
The development has revitalized a previously underused plot of land, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of the Speke corridor. Local officials have welcomed the project for its economic and social benefits.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Services
The Speke club boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to cater to a diverse membership base. The fitness areas are equipped with the latest technology and a wide range of machines to support various workout styles.
What is Padel Tennis?
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court surrounded by walls of glass and metallic mash. The sport has seen a rapid surge in popularity across Europe due to its social and easy-to-learn nature, making it accessible for players of all ages and skill levels.
Fitness and Racquets
The centrepiece of the fitness offering is the expansive, naturally lit gym floor. It features dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. Members also have access to several studios for group classes, including:
- Mind & Body Studio: For yoga, Pilates, and meditation sessions.
- High-Impact Studio: Hosting popular classes like BLAZE, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout.
- Cycle Hub: A dedicated studio for immersive indoor cycling classes.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club provides multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts. In a nod to current trends, it also features several Padel tennis courts, one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. Professional coaching is available for all skill levels in both tennis and Padel.
Aquatics and Spa
The aquatic facilities are a major highlight, with both a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a heated 20-metre outdoor pool. This allows for year-round swimming regardless of the weather. The club also offers swimming lessons for children and adults through its Swim Stars programme.
The David Lloyd Speke spa, known as the 'Spa Retreat', includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds, providing a comprehensive thermal spa journey.
Adjacent to the pools is the luxurious Spa Retreat, an adults-only sanctuary designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. This area provides a quiet space for members to unwind after a workout or simply escape from daily stresses.
A Family-Focused Environment
A key aspect of the David Lloyd model is its focus on family. The Speke club includes a dedicated DL Kids facility, offering a wide range of activities and coaching for children aged from three months to 16 years. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are supervised in a safe and engaging environment.
The DL Kids programme includes sports coaching, arts and crafts, and structured play sessions. The club also features an indoor soft-play area and an outdoor playground.
The Clubroom serves as the social hub of the facility, with a restaurant and café bar offering a menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. It includes a designated family zone as well as an adults-only business area with workstations and free Wi-Fi, catering to members who wish to work remotely from the club.
Community Impact and Member Reception
The creation of 150 jobs is a significant boost for the local employment market. Roles range from fitness coaches and spa therapists to hospitality staff and management positions. According to the company, a strong emphasis was placed on hiring from the local community.
Liverpool City Councillor for the Speke area, Mark Dowd, commented on the opening. "This is a fantastic development for South Liverpool. Not only does it provide a top-tier wellness facility for our residents, but the job creation and investment are incredibly welcome. It's a great example of positive redevelopment that benefits the entire community."
Initial reception from new members has been overwhelmingly positive. Early joiners have praised the quality of the facilities and the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff.
One of the first founding members, John Harrison, shared his experience. "I've been waiting for something like this to open in the area for years. The facilities are second to none, and it's brilliant for the family. The kids love the pool and play areas, and I've already booked some Padel lessons. It's much more than a gym; it's a real community hub."
As the club settles into its operations, it is expected to become a cornerstone of the local community, promoting health, wellness, and social connection for thousands of members across the region.