Plans have been approved for a new David Lloyd Health Club in Bicester.
The 6,600sqm development, located on land off Wendlebury Road next to Bicester Avenue Garden Centre, was granted permission during Cherwell District Council’s first online planning committee meeting on Thursday (21 May).
The new leisure facility is due to include a sports hall; indoor tennis courts; fitness studios; fully equipped gym; indoor swimming pool; café; changing facilities and spa. Outside, there are plans for further tennis courts; a permanent air dome for racquets sports; an outdoor swimming pool; spa garden and terrace.
Cllr Colin Clarke, Cherwell’s lead member for planning said: “This development will provide leisure facilities for residents as well as a range of good local jobs, easily accessible by sustainable forms of travel. The centre adds to the growing list of attractions in Bicester, encouraging more visitors to the local area.”
Located in the Bicester Gateway area (otherwise known as Bicester 10) of Cherwell’s adopted Local Plan, the development is expected to bring with it more than one hundred jobs. The varied positions include personal training; sports coaching and fitness instruction; health, beauty and well-being; childcare; sales, marketing and administration; food and drink preparation and service; cleaning, groundskeeping and maintenance and facilities management.
Contributions will be made by the developer to extend a bus route to the facility, including the provision of a bus stop, ensuring the health club is easily accessed by public transport. An improved footpath and bike lane will also be installed by the developer for those choosing to walk or cycle, as well as the usual expectation for electric vehicle charging facilities to be made available.
Complimentary landscaping will take place, seeking to support the natural biodiversity in the area.
The health club forms part of wider proposals to bring more than two thousand jobs to the Bicester Gateway area, with highway improvements planned to unlock more areas with employment potential. This includes plans for a new roundabout to be installed at the junction between Vendee Drive and Wendlebury Road.
Last Updated 23 July 2020
