UK fitness chain David Lloyd revives plans for state-of-the-art gym in Swords with hopes for 100 new jobs

Last week, David Lloyd Leisure submitted a planning application to Fingal County Council to develop a 4,700 sq m health, racquets and wellness club facility in Airside Retail Park, Swords.

The move comes more than a year after its original plans were rejected over design and layout concerns.

The two-storey club would include gym and fitness studios, heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a children’s soft play area, tennis facilities and a premium spa retreat.

Stuart Caswell, new acquisition director at David Lloyd Leisure, said it had “worked closely” with Fingal County Council to ensure the design was “sensitive to the unique character of the site”.

The Swords fitness centre is expected to create approximately 50 local jobs during construction and around 80 to 100 full-time equivalent roles once operational.

David Lloyd said the fresh planning bid followed a period of re-design as it sought to ensure the proposed leisure facility fits in with Fingal’s masterplan for the area.

David Lloyd’s renewed push underscores the growing international interest in Ireland’s evolving fitness market.

Last November, Sports Direct secured planning permission to open a large gym at the former Debenhams department store on Dublin’s Henry Street.

Earlier this month, the US fitness chain Barry’s opened its gym on Dawson Street in Dublin.

David Lloyd Leisure claims to be one of Europe's largest health and wellness groups. It operates 134 clubs including 105 in the UK and a further 29 in mainland Europe.

The company has three brands, David Lloyd Clubs, Harbour Clubs and Meridian Spa and Fitness in Germany.