The plans are up for approval
The plans could bring benefits to the area(Image: David Lloyd Leisure)
Plans for a new David Lloyd gym could soon be given the green light despite concerns they “could affect the Mersey Tunnels”. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has objected to the latest project in the Wirral Waters area.
David Lloyd Leisure, the largest health, fitness and leisure company in Europe, sent 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. If approved, the gym would be located on the site of the former Bidston Dock off Wallasey Bridge road.
Wirral Waters developer Peel Waters said the new club would create 100 new jobs when finished. 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. Padel is a racket sport of Mexican origin that has become popular in recent years.
The plans are set to come before Wirral Council next week at a planning meeting on January 29. Councillors are being recommended to approve the application with a number of conditions.
Bidston councillor Liz Grey is supporting the plans noting “the benefits of exercise” and asked “if there would be a discount for local people”. However two objections have also been received.
Wirral Wildlife Trust want further information on botanical, invertebrate, and reptile surveys. The Liverpool City Region has “an objection based on potential drainage impacts that could affect the Mersey Tunnels.”
No objections were made to the plans from a number of key organisations including the local flood authority, the Environment Agency, Natural England, United Utilities, and highways. Steps will be required to offset any nature loss on site with investment elsewhere.
The plans could bring benefits to the area(Image: David Lloyd Leisure)
A report before the committee said: “Bidston Dock was historically where water from the Wallasey Tunnel drained to, and this continued even after the dock was filled in with water percolating into the ground and / or backing up to cause flooding on Wallasey Bridge Road.” There were concerns the site could flood but a solution has now been found.
Officers said the development would have a positive effect and “provide opportunities for health benefits for those people who become members”.
While the council said it could not seek a local discount, the local authority said it would welcome any initiatives to encourage people to use the new gym.
The local authority said it was “keen to see the site developed” and the plans would not affect the wider Wirral Waters area or Birkenhead town centre in a negative way.
The report said: “The development would deliver a series of buildings and structures that would collectively offer a high-quality leisure use on a site that has been vacant for many years.”
When the plans were first announced, Stuart Caswell, New Clubs Acquisition Director at David Lloyd Leisure said they were delighted to be involved in Wirral Waters, adding their plan “not only enhances the area and creates a range of new jobs and opportunities for the local community, but also reflects the needs of people living in the area”.