David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The new facility, the company's third in the Edinburgh area, has created over 80 new jobs and offers a wide range of premium fitness and leisure amenities for families and individuals.
The club is situated within the growing Shawfair community, located southeast of Edinburgh. It aims to provide a comprehensive destination for health, relaxation, and social activities, featuring extensive gym facilities, swimming pools, racquet courts, and dedicated family spaces.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Shawfair, Midlothian, representing a £15.5 million investment.
- The facility has created more than 80 full-time and part-time employment opportunities in the local area.
- Key features include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, multiple racquet courts, and a luxury spa.
- The club is designed to cater to families, with dedicated kids' clubs and activities.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The opening of the Shawfair club marks a significant expansion for David Lloyd Leisure in Scotland. The £15.5 million project underscores the company's confidence in the region's demand for high-quality health and wellness services. Construction of the facility was a major undertaking, resulting in a modern complex designed to meet diverse fitness and lifestyle needs.
The new club is strategically located to serve the expanding residential area of Shawfair and surrounding communities. According to company representatives, the goal was to create a premium, family-friendly environment that goes beyond a traditional gym. The facility is positioned as a community hub where members can exercise, socialize, and relax.
Who Are David Lloyd Leisure?
David Lloyd Leisure is one of Europe's leading health, sport, and leisure groups. Founded in 1982, the company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe. They are known for their large, family-oriented clubs that combine fitness facilities with racquet sports and social spaces.
Inside the New Shawfair Facility
The Shawfair club boasts a wide array of amenities spread across its extensive grounds. The design focuses on providing a comprehensive experience for all age groups and fitness levels. Members have access to a variety of zones dedicated to different activities.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Gym Floor
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is the large, modern gymnasium. It is equipped with the latest cardio and strength training machines, including treadmills, cross-trainers, and a full range of free weights. A dedicated functional training zone, known as the Synrgy360, provides space for dynamic, full-body workouts.
Additionally, the club features multiple group exercise studios. These spaces will host a busy schedule of classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, Pilates, and cycling sessions. The variety is intended to cater to different preferences and fitness goals.
Aquatic and Spa Facilities
A key attraction is the club's swimming facilities. Members can use both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The club also offers swimming lessons for children and adults as part of its programming.
For relaxation and recovery, the facility includes a luxurious spa area. This zone features:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- A sauna with Himalayan salt
- A steam room
- Heated relaxation beds
These amenities are designed to provide a tranquil escape for members to unwind after a workout or a busy day.
Facility by the Numbers
The new David Lloyd Shawfair club includes 3 indoor tennis courts, 3 badminton courts, and 2 squash courts. The outdoor area features 3 Padel courts, one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.
Economic Impact and Local Response
The development has brought a welcome economic boost to the Shawfair area. The creation of over 80 jobs provides significant local employment, with roles ranging from fitness instructors and spa therapists to administrative and hospitality staff.
Jack Phillips, the newly appointed General Manager for the Shawfair club, commented on the opening.
"We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome the Shawfair community to this incredible new facility. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a club that offers the very best in health and wellness. It’s more than just a place to work out; it’s a place for families to spend quality time together and for individuals to achieve their personal goals."
The club's opening has been met with enthusiasm from local residents who have been anticipating a premium leisure facility in the growing community. The focus on family activities, including a dedicated DL Kids club area and coaching for junior sports, has been particularly well-received.
More Than Just a Gym
David Lloyd Leisure's model emphasizes the social and lifestyle aspects of membership. The Shawfair club is no exception, featuring a spacious Clubroom with an indoor and outdoor patio area. This space serves as a restaurant and lounge where members can work, socialize, or enjoy a meal with family.
The inclusion of a business hub with workstations and Wi-Fi also caters to professionals and remote workers, allowing them to integrate work and wellness. This approach aims to make the club an integral part of a member's daily routine, not just a destination for exercise.
As the club begins operations, its management plans to roll out a full schedule of social events, children's activities, and fitness challenges to foster a strong sense of community among its new members. The long-term vision is for the club to become a central part of life in Shawfair.