David Lloyd Clubs Come To Solihull Academy For Our Very Own DIY SOS-Style Makeover
Solihull Academy is proud to celebrate the success of an inspiring partnership with leading health and fitness provider David Lloyd Clubs, which has seen both our gym and outdoor spaces completely transformed over the October half-term break.
What began as a bid submitted by Matt Gregor, Cultural Capital, Community & Careers Lead for Solihull Academy, quickly grew into a DIY SOS-style transformation that has revitalised our facilities and created exciting new opportunities for fitness, wellness, and calm across the school.
This remarkable project is part of David Lloyd Clubs national commitment to improving the lives of local communities - particularly young people who might not otherwise have access to high-quality health and wellbeing resources.
From Gym(ish) to Greatness
Over four action-packed days, twelve skilled volunteers from David Lloyd Clubs’ Central Region team gave their time, energy, and expertise to transform key areas of the Academy.
Inside, our gym has been completely repainted and refreshed, with brand new flooring mats and a suite of state-of-the-art fitness equipment generously donated by David Lloyd Clubs’; including two Concept 2 rowing machines, a spin bike, and one of the company’s Signature BLAZE punch bags.
To make our sports hall (which is right next to the gym) even more versatile, the team also provided a new pickleball net, introducing our students to one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK. On the first day of the new half-term, we were delighted to welcome Alisha Byrne, General Manager of David Lloyd Cranmore, and Assistant Manager Lauren Galpin, who joined two of students – Omari and Eddie - for a celebratory game of pickleball. It was a wonderful moment of connection and community (but we won’t mention who won)!
Wellness Zone: A Space to Breathe
Outside, the team worked their magic to turn an underused area into a vibrant Outdoor Wellness Zone—a calming and multi-functional space designed to support our students’ mental health, sensory needs, and wellbeing.
The space now features:
- A sheltered seating pergola for reflection and mindfulness.
- Planters with integrated seating and new greenery to create a calm, welcoming environment.
- Equipment storage facilities and brand-new football nets for active recreation and team play.
The result is a stunning transformation that provides both active and peaceful spaces, promoting movement, relaxation, and social connection.
Community Spirit in Action
This project represents far more than physical change; it’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when local businesses invest in young people’s futures.
Alisha Byrne, General Manager at David Lloyd Cranmore, shared:
“The team really enjoyed participating in the project and are looking forward to hearing how the kids and teachers react. For us at David Lloyd Clubs, feedback is key so we can understand the impact and replicate success in future projects.”
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Matt Gregor said:
“This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to enhance our students’ wellbeing and create a more inspiring environment for physical activity. We’re incredibly grateful to David Lloyd Clubs for their investment in our school and community.”
And the Solihull Academy staff weren’t the only ones who were impressed
Stephen Steinhaus, CEO of Solihull Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust (SAPMAT) to which Solihull Academy belongs, added:
“This collaboration exemplifies the powerful difference corporate social responsibility can make in education. David Lloyd Clubs’ support will directly enhance the tailored physical and mental health resources for our learners, fortifying a central pathway for supporting young people across our Trust.”
Living Our Values
At Solihull Academy and across SAPMAT, we often say that we are game changers for students who really need the game to change. All of us are committed to providing high-quality, ambitious alternative provision across the Solihull borough and beyond.
Our mission is to transform lives through education. We believe in care, commitment, courage, and connection and encourage our students to be aspirational, inclusive and relational…values that this partnership brings vividly to life.
Thanks to David Lloyd Clubs’ generosity and dedication, our students now have a rejuvenated gym, an inspiring outdoor wellness area, and access to professional-standard equipment that will help them build confidence, strength, and self-belief.
This project stands as a shining example of what happens when education and enterprise come together for the good of the community - a true DIY SOS for our students’ wellbeing and future.
