Footage shows construction is finally underway on Kent’s fourth David Lloyd health club.
The luxury facility is being created on land at Waterbrook Park in Sevington, Ashford, but is not expected to open until late next year.
Plans for the new gym and spa – where membership costs more than £100 a month – were approved by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in August 2024.
Now, more than two years on, work has started on land off A2070 Bad Munstereifel Road after a series of setbacks.
Several diggers and lorries now fill the sprawling plot, with building materials seen across the site.
Work is being carried out by Foxton Construction, whose workers are also using a crane to carry out groundworks.
GSE, the landowner of retail park Waterbrook Park, was pictured moving previous earthworks in preparation for construction last month.
David Lloyd’s club acquisitions director, Stuart Caswell, said: “We’re delighted to be moving full steam ahead with the construction.
“Thank you to the community for your patience.
“We look forward to seeing the club take shape over the coming months, and to sharing this fantastic facility with members.”
In March, KentOnline revealed a planning dispute needed to be resolved before work could begin.
Construction has began on Ashford’s first David Lloyd clubDavid Lloyd’s new Ashford venue will be its fourth in Kent. Picture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson Ltd
The health and fitness company was in discussions with ABC and Kent County Council (KCC) about changes to “necessary infrastructure” on the Waterbrook Park estate, including highways works, which have since been resolved.
Bosses have revealed the centre will now open in autumn 2027 – several months later than the originally anticipated 2026 unveiling – and provide between 80 and 100 jobs.
They say the centrepiece will be its 100+ station gym, featuring more than 100 classes each week ranging from high-energy workouts, Pilates, yoga and cycling.
It is also due to include a Battle Box facility – a black shipping container full of the equipment needed for full-body, high-energy fitness training sessions.
The centre will have four swimming pools comprising a five-lane indoor pool, a learner pool, a 25-metre outdoor pool, and a children’s area.
David Lloyd will join KFC, Aldi and Taco Bell at Waterbrook ParkContractors working at the new David Lloyd club in Ashford earlier this week
The club will also feature a business lounge and outdoor padel courts, while an inflatable air dome covering its three tennis courts will allow people to play the sport all-year-round and in all weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the venue will include an indoor and outdoor spa retreat and garden, with experiences including a Himalayan salt sauna, fire and ice room, Finnish sauna, rainforest experience shower, and a crystal steam room.
The site will feature 248 parking spaces.
Mr Caswell added: “Our new club will bring a premium health, fitness and wellness experience to Ashford, creating a vibrant space where families and individuals can exercise, relax and connect.
“We’re proud to be investing in the local area, not only through this state-of-the-art facility, but also by creating a wide range of new career opportunities as we become part of the growing Waterbrook Park community.”
The Ashford health club will join existing sites in Herne Bay, Kings Hill, and Dartford.
How the lounge at David Lloyd in Ashford is expected to look. Picture: Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson LimitedThe entrance to Ashford’s new David Lloyd club
It is not yet clear how much membership fees will cost, but prices come in at £174 a month in Herne Bay.
The firm also recently took over Avenue Tennis in Gillingham and in July promised to undertake a major transformation later this year.
David Lloyd will be the latest arrival at Waterbrook Park following the opening of KFC in August and Taco Bell in September.
Meanwhile, Aldi opened last October, with 364 homes also in the pipeline behind the growing business park, which is also home to Ashford International Truckstop.