David Lloyd Clubs officially opened its doors to Harlow residents at 6am this morning.
Ahead of the launch, a preview event and official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place last weekend for founding members and local VIPs with guests including Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council and Chair of the HGGT Joint Committee, and Chris Vince MP.
The celebration also welcomed former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy, ex-Spurs and England footballer Ledley King, influencer Jeremy Lynch, as well as local businesses, sports clubs, and over 200 of the Club’s first founding members.
Located in the town’s Innovation Park, the new David Lloyd Harlow Club has been in development for 18 months, attracting huge interest from the local community.
Speaking about their plans for the local area in an exclusive interview with HGGT last year, David Lloyd Leisure’s Director of New Club Acquisition, Stuart Caswell, said: “The area is going through a major transformation with the planned housing growth so it is a great opportunity for us and one that we’re really excited about.”
The Club offers state-of-the-art health and wellness facilities, including a 100+ station gym, indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, premium racquet courts, and a luxurious Spa Retreat.
Before cutting the ribbon to open the new Club, Councillor Dan Swords, leader of Harlow Council, spoke to guests about what the investment means for the local area: “This is a landmark moment for Harlow and clear proof that we are Building Harlow’s Future.
“Welcoming the David Lloyd Leisure brand is a major £25 million investment, a powerful vote of confidence in our town and a significant boost to Harlow’s local economy.
“The council has worked hard to secure this investment, and the outcome shows what ambition backed by delivery looks like.
“It has smashed all membership targets, proving the huge demand from local people, and has created 150 jobs for Harlow residents – including 27 people who were previously unemployed and are now back in work.
“Local schools and Harlow’s young people will benefit from the amazing facilities proving what an incredibly community-focussed company David Lloyd are.
“The quality of the club is truly outstanding and thousands of local residents are already benefiting from this investment with their memberships.
“The council has also secured a vital capital receipt from this development, which will be reinvested directly into Harlow’s renewal.
“This is what happens when we back our town, work with the right partners and stay relentlessly focused on growth, jobs and opportunity for local people.”
David Lloyd Harlow features a full suite of health and wellness amenities designed to meet the needs of individuals, families and professionals alike.
Alongside the centrepiece gym, swimming pools and racquet courts such as tennis and padel, there is also a luxurious Spa Retreat with Himalayan Salt sauna, rainforest experience shower, crystal steam room, ice cave, plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool and outdoor spa garden.
There are also stylish boutique exercise studios for group classes including David Lloyd Clubs Signature Classes: BLAZE, SPIRIT, 1GN1TE, CYCLONE and REBELS. The Club will also offer Reformer Pilates classes.
In addition to the health, fitness, and wellness amenities, David Lloyd Harlow features a calming Clubroom with a Business Lounge, family zone and indoor soft play area for children.
Jo Miller, General Manager at David Lloyd Harlow, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our official opening celebration and first look at our fantastic new health and wellness facilities here in Harlow.
“We are keen to become a core part of the thriving community here in Harlow. We have proudly set up a recruitment and training programme in partnership with the local Jobcentre Plus and Harlow College, where we have been providing employability skills and meaningful career opportunities for local people.
“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has made this Club a reality over the past 18-months, and a huge welcome to our 150 new team members.”
