David Lloyd Leisure Group has announced the development of a new £15.5 million health, wellness, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The new facility, scheduled to open in late 2025, is expected to create approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy.
The club will be the company's third in the Lothians, joining existing locations at Newhaven Harbour in Edinburgh and another in Livingston. Situated within the Shawfair masterplan, the facility aims to serve the growing residential communities in Midlothian and southeast Edinburgh.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club is being built in Shawfair, Midlothian, with a £15.5 million investment.
- The facility is projected to create around 80 new jobs in the local area.
- Scheduled for a late 2025 opening, it will be the third David Lloyd Club in the Lothian region.
- Amenities will include swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, racquet courts, and a luxury spa.
Project Details and Investment
The construction of the new David Lloyd Club represents a major investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. The £15.5 million funding package underscores the company's confidence in the Shawfair development as a key growth area. The club will occupy a prominent site adjacent to the Shawfair railway station, offering convenient access for members.
According to planning documents, the facility will feature a wide range of amenities designed to cater to families and individuals. The development aims to provide a premium health and wellness destination that supports the active lifestyle of the local population.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The new club will offer an extensive array of premium facilities. Members will have access to a modern, 10,000-square-foot gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. The club will also feature dedicated studios for group exercise classes, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), yoga, and cycling.
Racquet sports are a central part of the David Lloyd offering. The Shawfair location will include:
- Three indoor Padel courts
- Five artifical grass tennis courts with an inflatable dome for year-round play
- Three badminton courts
- Two squash courts
Facility at a Glance
- Investment: £15.5 million
- Jobs Created: Approximately 80
- Gym Size: 10,000 sq ft
- Pools: 25m indoor pool, 20m outdoor pool
- Opening: Late 2025
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The creation of 80 new jobs is a significant component of the project's local impact. Roles will range from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and maintenance, offering diverse employment opportunities for residents in Midlothian and surrounding areas.
Local officials have welcomed the development as a positive addition to the community. The investment aligns with the broader vision for Shawfair, which aims to create a self-sufficient town with robust amenities for its residents.
"This is a fantastic development for Shawfair and for Midlothian as a whole. The investment from David Lloyd Leisure not only brings world-class facilities to our doorstep but also creates valuable jobs, supporting our local economy and enhancing the quality of life for our residents."
Supporting a Growing Community
The Shawfair development is one of Scotland’s most ambitious new town projects. Over the next two decades, it is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The introduction of a major leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is seen as a critical piece of social infrastructure for the growing population.
About the Shawfair Development
Shawfair is a large-scale urban expansion project located southeast of Edinburgh. The masterplan, developed by Shawfair LLP, aims to create a new town with a focus on sustainability and community living. Key features include a town centre, community campus, and extensive green spaces, all connected by strong transport links, including the Borders Railway line.
Club Amenities and Member Experience
Beyond fitness and sports, the new club is designed to be a social hub for families. It will feature a Clubroom with an indoor and outdoor terrace, providing a space for members to socialize, work, or relax. A dedicated family zone and kids' club will offer activities for younger members.
The wellness offering is another key highlight. The club will boast a luxurious spa area, complete with:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Sauna and steam rooms
- Heated relaxation beds
- Outdoor spa garden
Swimming facilities will include a 25-meter indoor pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. Swimming lessons for both adults and children will also be available.
Focus on Padel Tennis
The inclusion of three indoor Padel courts reflects the growing popularity of the sport in the UK. Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash, has seen a surge in participation over the last few years. David Lloyd Leisure has been actively expanding its Padel offerings across the country to meet this demand.
Michelle Chambers, a Regional Manager for David Lloyd Clubs, commented on the project. "We are thrilled to bring our first-class facilities to Shawfair. Our goal is to create more than just a gym; we want to build a community where families can spend quality time together, focusing on their health and wellbeing."
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025, with a targeted completion date in the fourth quarter of the year. The company plans to launch a pre-sales campaign for memberships as the opening date approaches.