First Look at Plans for Major New Leisure Club Near Tunbridge Wells

Plans have been submitted for a large new leisure club near Tunbridge Wells, offering a first glimpse at what could become one of the biggest fitness and wellness sites in the area.

The proposal comes from David Lloyd Leisure, which has been searching for a suitable location in this part of Kent for several years. Now, after a long wait, the company has put forward a detailed plan for a club set within a 21-acre site just outside the town, close to the A21.

If approved, the development would go far beyond a typical gym. The plans show a full-scale leisure destination, combining indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts covered by air domes, padel courts, a large gym space, and multiple fitness studios. There’s also a strong focus on the “wellness” side, with a spa area inside and a separate outdoor spa garden designed for relaxation rather than training.

The site itself centres around an older property known as Colebrooke House, which has been sitting unused for some time. The proposal includes extending and integrating the building into the new complex, rather than replacing it entirely, which suggests an attempt to blend modern facilities with the existing setting.

Alongside the sports and spa facilities, the plans also include more lifestyle-focused elements. There would be spaces for families, including children’s play areas, as well as lounge areas and a business hub aimed at people who want to work remotely during the day. In short, it’s being positioned as somewhere you spend hours, not just a quick workout.

From an economic point of view, the project could bring a noticeable boost, with estimates of around 80 to 100 jobs if everything goes ahead. At the same time, the scale of the development means it won’t go unnoticed locally. The site sits within a protected landscape area, and any proposal of this size is likely to raise questions around traffic, environmental impact, and how it fits into the surrounding countryside.

Access would be taken from the A21, with plans to upgrade the existing route into the site. Parking is also part of the proposal, including provision for electric vehicle charging, which reflects the size and expected usage of the facility.

At this stage, the plans are still under review and no final decision has been made. But after years of searching for a location, this is the clearest sign yet that a major new leisure development could be coming to the Tunbridge Wells area.