David Lloyd Leisure Acquire the Park Club
Family health club to close for at least nine months for conversion
The Park Club in Acton has been sold to David Lloyd Leisure for an undisclosed sum. Members of the club were informed in an email from Managing Director Dan White this week which also notified them of the need to close the facility for at least nine months.
The club has been in operation at the site for the last 19 years. The closure which Mr White says was unavoidable will allow the David Lloyd Group to complete a £8 million refurbishment.
The club is due to close on 15 July. Existing members will receive refunds of any fees paid covering any period beyond that time and have been invited to apply for membership of the Hogarth Health Club in Chiswick although it is understood there is limited availability.
Part of the 26 acre site will remain under the ownership of Mr White who has recently gained planning consent for new facilities which are to be called Club des Sport. A £2 million investment is being made in state of the art all-weather surfaces for a range of sports, including football, rugby, netball, cricket, tennis, martial arts and dance. This facility will remain fully operational while the Park Club is closed for refurbishment.
Mr White said in his email to members, “Over the last 19 years since we built The Park Club, I seem to have acquired four children and, probably not unconnected to that, don't feel I have the energy to undertake the £8 million refurbishment myself.
“During the months leading up to the Planning Consent being granted, I was inevitably approached by a number of Companies operating in the Health Club sector. After very long and very careful consideration, I have decided that David Lloyd Leisure are the best Company to take The Park Club forward.”
David Lloyd Leisure announced within the same week the acquisition of the Harbour Club in Notting Hill and 14 Virgin Active clubs all outside London. They now have 109 clubs in their portfolio.
CEO Glenn Earlam said “The Park Club with its stunning location and extensive facilities, will receive a major investment of £8 million to ensure that it becomes West London’s leading health and racquets club. The Park Club is the perfect addition to our growing portfolio of clubs in London and other key locations."
June 2, 2017