Features / David Lloyd
David Lloyd expansion draws community backlash in Southmead
Nestled between rows of semi-detached houses and patches of green space, the David Lloyd club in Southmead offers a carefully curated image of tranquil luxury.
But for many locals, the reality of the gym’s £5m refurbishment feels far less serene, marked by noise pollution, alleged broken promises and a growing sense of exclusion.
In Southmead, a ward with lower health indicators than the Bristol average, an all-purpose leisure and fitness club would be seemingly welcome.
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A David Lloyd marketing image shows a preview of the spa garden – Photo: David Lloyd
Yet Southmead, one of Bristol’s most deprived areas, remains largely shut out from the premium space.
Membership fees range from £92 to £194 per month, plus joining costs, leaving many residents priced out.
Instead, locals turn to Badock’s Wood for walks, or to affordable gyms like the Greenway Gym.
The club’s choice to brand itself as David Lloyd Westbury, despite its clear location in Southmead, only deepens the sense of disconnect.
The multi-million pound refurbishment, approved by the Planning Inspectorate, includes the addition of a spa garden. It is this new feature that has sparked particular concern.
At the rear of the gym, a couple who’ve lived in their home for 28 years say their quality of life has lessened. They describe a persistent 60-decibel hum from the club’s plant room – and say things will only worsen when the spa opens.
The Badock’s Wood path runs adjacent to David Lloyd – photo: Maelo Manning
“We were one of the first members,” they explain. “They told the first 200 neighbours we’d have a fixed price for life. They reneged on that. They said they’d help the community – we bought into that pitch.”
Standing in their garden, the sound of racquet sports and a high-pitched whine fills the air.
The woman, visibly drained, says the noise has forced her onto sleeping pills and driven her away from Badock’s Wood.
“It has been a nightmare. David Lloyd has been an absolute nightmare. They are selfish and greedy.”
She says attempts to engage the gym directly have gone nowhere.
“We spoke to the operations manager in June last year – nothing came of it. We think they blocked our numbers. Emails bounced. It feels like they made sure we couldn’t reach them.”
When asked if the gym has benefited the community, the couple scoffed. “They’ve done some litter picking, but it’s window dressing compared to the serious issues.”
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A joint statement from Kye Dudd and Kaz Self, Labour councillors for Southmead, about the planning permission mirrors these concerns of a lack of community integration from David Lloyd.
“If a councillor is concerned about a planning application in their ward they can ‘call it in.’
This then means it will be subject to the scrutiny of a planning committee, rather than delegated to council staff, so local residents have an opportunity to express concerns by submitting statements and speaking at public forum.
“This is what Kye and I did for this application.”
They also highlight the gap in access: “The life expectancy for a man in Southmead is 75.3 and a woman’s is 79.2 years; in Westbury-on-Trym (the ward next door) it is 82.7 years for a man and 84.4 years for a woman.
“Physical inactivity is a behavioural cause of poor health, so there is clearly a need for affordable gym access.”
Though no one expects a luxury gym to serve everyone, it’s the reported promises of local discounts – and their apparent disappearance – that have sparked particular frustration.
Councillors say they’ve “heard this anecdotally” from residents, but others recall it clearly.
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Deana Perry, 67, a trustee at Southmead Development Trust, remembers the year 2000 well. “The promise was that Southmead residents would have a discount to use the pool.
“That was important – we wanted local children to be able to walk there instead of going all the way to Horfield or Henbury.”
She says that over the years, community leaders have tried to track down documentation of this agreement.
“We asked David Lloyd. Apparently, the contract has been lost. It’s just rubbish. It’s really, really bad.”
Deana sees the current dispute not as a one-off, but as part of a pattern.
She points to the construction of padel courts, which were built without planning permission and later allowed to remain via retrospective planning permission.
She clearly voices her anger on this issue, “They don’t want to consult the local community in which they are based on.
“David Lloyd absolutely doesn’t care about Southmead or serving the community that they are part of – I don’t think that they like that they are in Southmead.”
Ryan Noyes is a proud member of David Lloyd Westbury – photo: Taariq Fry
Residents say the padel courts have caused noise issues and disturbed wildlife in Badock’s Wood, further eroding trust as the new spa garden moves ahead.
Amid the frustration, 18-year-old Southmead resident Ryan Noyes sees the gym’s benefits – but with caveats.
He currently pays a reduced rate for a platinum membership of £110/month thanks to a young adult discount.
“There’s a lot on offer at David Lloyd that you can’t get anywhere else. And I do think it brings people into Southmead – I’ve seen members heading to the pub across the road (Treble Chance).”
But when asked if many locals use the gym, Ryan shakes his head. “Not really. Most are from other areas. The prices are excruciating. I can’t justify it once the discount ends.”
It is Ryan’s excitement about the health benefits that David Lloyd brings to the area, coupled with his disappointment at the gym’s ultimate unaffordability, that best captures the club’s complicated role – a symbol of wellness that remains out of reach for the very community it sits in.
We reached out to David Lloyd’s press team for comment, and they have said: “At David Lloyd Clubs we are committed to making a positive contribution in the communities and environment in which we operate.
“David Lloyd Westbury is very active in the local community, supporting a range of local initiatives.
“In recent years we have donated large amounts of furniture and gym equipment to local projects and supported Southmead Rugby Club with their activities.
“In the last year alone, we have supported numerous schools with fundraising donations, collected and donated Christmas gifts and Easter Eggs to two children’s charities.
“Our team also actively volunteer their time to litter picking schemes and food banks, and we have contacted other charities in the area to offer our support.
“David Lloyd Clubs has also been named in the Sunday Times’ Top 10 Best Very Big Companies to work for in the UK and provides a wide range of career opportunities for the local people.
“The Club is going through a significant investment programme to ensure that it continues to offer the very best health and wellness facilities.
“Part of that includes the addition of a Spa Retreat with a Spa Garden which offers peaceful space for members to relax.
“It is due for completion this winter and we will do everything we can to minimise any disruption to the community. Once complete we anticipate very limited impact on the local environment.
“We have not made any changes to our lifetime packages and so would ask any concerned members to discuss with one of our team.”
Maelo Manning is reporting on Southmead as part of Bristol24/7’s Community Reporters programme, aiming to amplify marginalised voices and communities often overlooked by mainstream media. This initiative is funded by our public, Better Business members and a grant from The Nisbets Trust.
Main photo and video: Maelo Manning
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