Work on a state-of-the-art leisure complex larger than two football pitches has begun as bosses reveal plans for the grand opening.
David Lloyd Leisure, which charges monthly membership fees from £139 elsewhere in Kent, has begun building its third club at Herne Bay’s Altira Business Park.
The new centre, expected to open this winter, will offer a wide range of health, fitness, racquets and spa facilities – including an outdoor pool.
It is also expected to generate between 80 and 100 jobs in a range of roles – from sport and well-being to catering and hospitality.
The UK chain was granted planning permission for the Herne Bay site by Canterbury City Council in September 2024, following a consultation.
Despite the town already having six gyms, the application stressed a need for health, fitness and wellness facilities in the area.
It will join two other David Lloyd clubs in Kent, one in Dartford and another in Kings Hill.
Plans for a fourth club in Waterbrook Park in Ashford have also been approved, with bosses hoping to open in 2026.
The centrepiece of the new club in Herne Bay will be the 100+ station gym.
Other facilities include heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, premium cushioned acrylic indoor tennis courts, and outdoor padel courts.
Computer-generated imagery of the sprawling complex – set to be the size of two-and-a-half football pitches – shows its 226-space car park and outdoor swimming pool, complete with dozens of sun loungers.
Stuart Caswell, new club acquisitions director at David Lloyd Clubs said: “We are thrilled to announce that work has begun on David Lloyd Herne Bay and we’re excited to see the development progress, in preparation for opening in winter 2025.
“We look forward to offering a fantastic new health and wellness facility for people of all ages, alongside generating a wide range of new jobs for the Herne Bay community.”
There will also be a tranquil Spa Garden complete with a plunge pool, hydrotherapy pool, loungers and a sauna.
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The Clubroom will also offer a family zone and indoor soft play area for children at the opposite end of the Business Lounge.
For children, there will be structured swim and tennis coaching for those aged three months to 12 years, kids after-school and holiday clubs, as well as a creche for children up to five years.
