A new David Lloyd gym could open in Wirral as early as next year after plans were approved. It is hoped the scheme will become a catalyst for wider regeneration in the area.
Plans for the new David Lloyd gym were given the go-ahead from Wirral councillors at a planning meeting on 29 January. Chair Cllr Stuart Kelly said that he now expected other big names to look at moving to the area, adding, “It’s how regeneration gets done. Somebody steps up to the plate and starts it off.”
David Lloyd Leisure, the largest health, fitness and leisure company in Europe, sent the plans to Wirral Council in April 2025 for a new club at Wirral Waters, the major regeneration project for the docks between Birkenhead and Wallasey. The new gym will be located on the site of the former Bidston Dock off Wallasey Bridge Road.
Across six acres, people would be able to enjoy three weather-protected tennis courts, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an indoor and outdoor spa, a sports hall with two indoor courts, a new gym, a children’s play area, and a café. David Lloyd’s plans also include six canopy-covered padel courts.
Concerns had been raised about the development potentially leading to increased flooding in the area. However, an off-site development is expected to address these issues and will be delivered alongside the new fitness centre.
At the 29 January meeting, Ian Anderson, representing David Lloyd, said that the new development was a significant investment by the company of around £28m. The scheme is expected to create 80 to 100 jobs, many of which will be advertised locally, and other jobs more widely.
There will be free membership for family members of those employed at the gym. The new gym is also expected to bring £2.5m to £3m to the local economy every year.
As for when the new gym might open, Mr Anderson said they were hoping for a start on site in the spring of this year and the gym opening in late 2027. This is subject to a number of legal agreements being signed.
At the meeting, councillors praised the development as a major step forward for the Wirral Waters regeneration scheme. Pointing to the reputation associated with David Lloyd, Cllr Steve Foulkes said that it “shows we can do business and attract business”.
He said “It could act as a catalyst for others to come and look at the borough,” adding, “I was here at the beginning of Wirral Waters, we have seen it develop and begin to grow and we are seeing something for it now.”
Cllr Andrew Gardner agreed, welcoming the private investment into the area. He said, “Especially for that area, to introduce greenery and development will be transformational”.
Reference was also made to proposals previously put forward for a “Sports City” in the area. The local authority explored these plans in 2022, including the possibility of a new stadium for Tranmere Rovers, but this is believed to be on hold.
Image: David Lloyd Leisure At Wirral Waters. Courtesy: David Lloyd Leisure
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