David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its new £20 million facility in Speke, Liverpool, creating over 150 new jobs and introducing a state-of-the-art health and wellness centre to the area. The new club, located near the New Mersey Shopping Park, represents one of the company's most significant investments in the North West.
The expansive 100,000-square-foot site features a wide range of facilities, including a modern gym, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa. The opening marks the completion of a two-year construction project aimed at providing premium leisure options for families and individuals in South Liverpool and the surrounding region.
Key Takeaways
- A new £20 million David Lloyd Club has opened in Speke, Liverpool.
- The project has created more than 150 full-time and part-time jobs.
- The facility includes a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa.
- The club is designed to cater to families, with dedicated kids' zones and activities.
A Major Investment for South Liverpool
The decision to build a new flagship club in Speke is a significant vote of confidence in the local economy. The £20 million investment underscores the area's growth and its appeal for major leisure and retail brands. Construction began in early 2022 and has transformed a previously undeveloped plot of land into a modern architectural landmark for the community.
According to company representatives, the location was chosen for its excellent transport links and proximity to a large residential population. The club aims to serve communities across South Liverpool, including Speke, Garston, and Halewood, as well as drawing members from the wider Merseyside area.
Strategic Location
The new club is situated adjacent to the New Mersey Shopping Park, a major retail destination that has undergone its own significant redevelopment in recent years. This strategic placement is intended to create a comprehensive leisure and retail hub, allowing visitors to combine shopping, dining, and fitness activities in one convenient location.
The development is one of the largest single investments in leisure facilities in Liverpool in the last decade. Local leaders have welcomed the project, highlighting its role in promoting health and wellbeing while also providing a substantial economic boost through job creation and local supply chain engagement.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The Speke club is designed to be one of the most advanced in the David Lloyd portfolio. Members have access to a vast array of equipment and amenities spread across its spacious layout. The club's design prioritises natural light and open spaces to create a welcoming and motivating environment.
Advanced Gym and Fitness Studios
The centrepiece of the club is its large, modern gymnasium. It is equipped with the latest fitness technology from leading brands, including a wide selection of cardio machines, resistance equipment, and an extensive free weights area. The gym also features dedicated zones for functional training, such as the proprietary Synrgy360 system.
In addition to the main gym floor, there are several specialised fitness studios. These include:
- A High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) studio for classes like Blaze.
- A Mind & Body studio for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- A Group Cycling studio with immersive lighting and sound systems.
The club offers a timetable of over 130 classes per week, catering to all fitness levels and interests, from high-energy workouts to restorative wellness sessions.
Swimming Pools and Spa Retreat
A key attraction is the comprehensive aquatics offering. The club boasts a 25-metre indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and lessons, alongside a shallower, warmer family pool. During the summer months, members can also use a heated 20-metre outdoor pool, complete with a sun terrace and loungers.
Spa Garden Features
The luxury spa, known as the Spa Retreat, includes a signature outdoor Spa Garden. This area features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and relaxation zones, providing a tranquil escape for adult members.
The indoor spa facilities are equally impressive, with multiple saunas, steam rooms, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds. Access to the Spa Retreat is included as part of certain membership tiers, positioning the club as a premium wellness destination.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The opening of the David Lloyd Club in Speke has had a direct and positive impact on the local job market. The company has hired more than 150 people to fill a variety of roles, ranging from fitness coaches and lifeguards to administrative staff and café workers. A significant number of these positions have been filled by residents from the local community.
Michelle Forester, the new club's General Manager, spoke about the recruitment process.
"We are thrilled to have built such a strong local team. Our goal was not just to build a club, but to become an integral part of the Speke community. Providing stable, quality employment is a key part of that commitment, and the enthusiasm from local applicants has been fantastic."
Beyond direct employment, the project has also supported numerous local businesses throughout its construction phase. Contractors, suppliers, and service providers from across the Liverpool City Region were engaged, injecting millions of pounds into the regional economy. The club is expected to continue using local suppliers for its ongoing operational needs, from food and beverage to maintenance services.
A Focus on Family and Community
While offering premium adult facilities, the new club has a strong emphasis on family. David Lloyd has incorporated its dedicated 'DL Kids' programme, which provides a wide range of activities for children aged 3 months to 16 years. These activities are scheduled to align with adult class timetables, making it easier for parents to exercise.
Facilities for younger members include a dedicated kids' club area, a soft play frame, and organised sports coaching for tennis and swimming. The club also features a large 'Clubroom' café and restaurant with an indoor play area, designed as a social hub for families to relax and spend time together.
Liverpool City Councillor Sarah Doyle, Cabinet Member for Development and Economy, commented on the club's opening.
"This is a fantastic new asset for South Liverpool. The investment from David Lloyd not only brings top-tier health and wellness facilities to our residents but also creates vital jobs and supports our local economy. It's a testament to the confidence major businesses have in our city's future."
The club has already launched several community engagement initiatives, including partnerships with local schools to promote physical activity. With its doors now officially open, the Speke David Lloyd Club is set to become a central part of the community's health, wellness, and social landscape for years to come.