David Lloyd Leisure is sharpening its focus on flexible lifestyles by introducing dedicated workspaces to its luxury health clubs, allowing members to bring exercise, spa time and remote working together in one location.
This move is a response to changing work patterns, as more and more professionals break away from the daily commute.
Russell Barnes, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure, says the new facilities fit in with modern living: “Just because people are out of the office doesn’t mean they’re not working. Some of our members fit in an early swim or a late game of padel and work in one of our dedicated areas. It’s about planning your day smartly and making time for your health and wellbeing, without losing productivity.”
David Lloyd has already set up these work-friendly areas in Brighton, Port Solent (Portsmouth) and Raynes Park (south-west London), with plans to introduce more. Between 50 and 100 people use them every day, demonstrating a clear demand for flexible setups that combine fitness, leisure and community.
With 133 clubs across Britain, Ireland and mainland Europe, David Lloyd Leisure is undertaking a major £500 million investment program over the next three to four years. This will finance 15 new locations, plus the addition of spa retreats at 50 clubs and padel courts at 60. The group’s ambition is to offer its 750,000 members a sense of “work, rest and relaxation”, and thereby further differentiated from competing operators. .
Founded in 1982 by former tennis player David Lloyd, the company was designed to create family-friendly destinations that combined fitness and tennis. It has been owned by private equity firm TDR Capital since 2013 and was once valued at £750m. While TDR was rumored to be considering a 2023 sale, nothing materialized.
David Lloyd Leisure’s most recently reported revenues were £630m in 2023 – up from £557m the year before – as membership grew. Yet operating profit fell to £47 million from £90 million in 2022, due to higher costs and one-off impairments.
Despite these financial headwinds, the company continues to maintain that demand for premium fitness and lifestyle services remains high. A recent member survey found that three-quarters believe going to the club helps reduce daily stress and increase overall well-being – a sentiment Barnes hopes will spread among those keen to add their workday to the wellness mix.