Club sale is bittersweet, says managing director

The Shrewsbury Club was bought out of administration in 2011, and now has about 6,000 members

The managing director of a health and fitness club says its sale to a large chain is "bittersweet."

The Shrewsbury Club on Sundorne Road, Shrewsbury, will become part of the David Lloyd Clubs franchise, with work expected to start on the site in 2025.

Plans for the site include incorporating professional tennis and swim coaching for children, new gym equipment, and luxury spa facilities.

"I recognise it’s a good thing for the club, but obviously its tough, because it marks the beginning of the end of my journey with the club," said Dave Courteen.

Managing director Dave Courteen said the club "desperately" needed a second swimming pool, but affording it was a struggle

"It's sooner than I would have liked and hoped," he said.

"It’s a success story and it’s a really good ending for me."

Mr Courteen has been at the club since it was bought out of administration in 2011.

"It was run down, it only had about 2,000 members, it didn't have the best reputation," he said.

The club now has 6,000 members.

However, Mr Courteen said it was now at full capacity, and "desperately" needed a second swimming pool, which had become increasingly difficult to afford following lockdown and an increase in construction costs.

"I loved doing the role that I was doing, but for me to stay on purely because I loved being here, felt a bit selfish."

"It's the right thing to do for the club, members, and the staff."

Work will start to transform the site in 2025

David Lloyd has 132 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe, with more than 11,000 members of staff.

The existing 65 employees at the club will keep their jobs as the site transitions under the company.

Tennis events held at the club would also be evaluated by David Lloyd.

Mr Courteen added that the ITF World Tennis Tour in October would go ahead as planned.

"My hope would be that it would continue," said Mr Courteen.

"It’s a big part of what makes the Shrewsbury Club, the Shrewsbury Club."