Sports
The ‘Real’ David Lloyd is launching a sport, tech and discovery concept
David Lloyd’s Sports Gardens will include a mix of play and sport / David Lloyd Sports Gardens
David Lloyd is back in the market with a new concept, the Real David Lloyd’s Sports Gardens.
In a message on social media, Lloyd said he is trademarking the name Real David Lloyd, and that he has big plans for his new concept which is “light years in front” of other concepts in the market.
Real David Lloyd’s Sports Gardens will be an indoor playground for all ages, blending sport, technology and discovery. Pickleball, padel, volleyball and basketball will be mixed with simulators, climbing walls, zipwires and a tag arena, as well as food and beverage offerings.
Sites are planned in Boca Raton Florida, as well as a number in the UK – Aberdeen, Ebbsfleet, Glasgow, Dundee, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Guildford, Colchester, Middlesbrough, Ipswich, Norwich, Bicester.
In a statement, Lloyd said he is being sued by David Lloyd Leisure for passing off and trademark infringement, however, HCM can confirm that no legal action has been taken by David Lloyd Leisure.
Lloyd developed his original emponymous health and racquets chain in 1982 and sold it in its entirety to Whitbread in 1995, for £182 million when there were 18 sites.
Whitbread grew the chain to more than 60 clubs in the UK and Europe and sold the business in 2007 to London and Regional Properties for £925 million.
In 2013 it was sold to TDR Capital for £750 million.
TDR created a new fund for the company last September, valuing it at £2 billion. The operator now has 139 clubs across the UK and Europe.
The move may leave David Lloyd Leisure with a case for passing off it the new launch confuses consumers.
The company URL is davidlloydssportsgardens.com