David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its new £15 million club in Shawfair, Midlothian, creating 80 new jobs and introducing a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility to the growing community. The new club, located south-east of Edinburgh, is the company's 103rd location in the UK and its fourth in Scotland.
The expansive 9,500 square metre facility offers a wide range of amenities for families and individuals, including advanced gym equipment, swimming pools, tennis courts, and dedicated spaces for children. The opening marks a significant investment in the local area, which is undergoing substantial residential and commercial development.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £15 million in its new Shawfair club.
- The facility has created 80 permanent jobs in the Midlothian area.
- Features include a 100-station gym, multiple pools, tennis and padel courts, and a luxury spa.
- The club is the company's fourth location in Scotland and 133rd worldwide.
A Major Investment in a Growing Community
The new David Lloyd Club is a cornerstone of the developing Shawfair town, a major urban expansion project planned to include 4,000 new homes. The club's opening reflects the company's strategy of placing facilities in areas with strong residential growth and a demand for premium family-oriented services.
Construction on the site began over a year ago, transforming a vacant plot into one of the most modern leisure centers in the region. According to company statements, the £15 million investment covers not just the physical building but also the high-end equipment, landscaping, and digital infrastructure integrated throughout the club.
What is Shawfair?
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town developments. Located between Dalkeith and Edinburgh, the masterplan includes thousands of new homes, schools, a town centre, and commercial spaces. The goal is to create a self-sufficient community with high-quality amenities, and the David Lloyd Club is a key part of that vision.
The creation of 80 full-time and part-time positions provides a significant boost to local employment. Roles range from fitness instructors and tennis coaches to spa therapists, restaurant staff, and management personnel. This injection of jobs is a welcome development for Midlothian's economy.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The Shawfair club is designed to cater to a wide demographic, from serious athletes to families seeking recreational activities. The facilities are spread across a large, modern building with distinct zones for different activities.
Fitness and Training Areas
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is the 100-station gym. It features the latest equipment from leading brands, including internet-enabled cardio machines, a wide array of resistance training options, and a large free-weights area. The gym floor is designed with an open-plan layout to accommodate various training styles.
In addition to the main gym, there are three dedicated group exercise studios:
- A high-impact studio for classes like BodyPump™ and circuit training.
- A Mind & Body studio for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- A cycle hub for high-energy indoor cycling classes.
The club plans to offer more than 100 group classes each week, all accessible to members through a dedicated mobile app for booking.
Padel Tennis Arrives in Shawfair
The new club includes three Padel courts, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe, and its inclusion highlights David Lloyd's commitment to offering modern and popular activities.
Swimming and Racquet Sports
Aquatics are a major focus at the new facility. Members have access to both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and a shallower, warmer family pool. A separate outdoor pool is also available, providing a resort-style experience during warmer months.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club boasts:
- Three indoor tennis courts with professional-grade surfaces.
- Three outdoor tennis courts.
- Three Padel courts, catering to the growing popularity of the sport.
Coaching programs for adults and children are available for both tennis and padel, run by a team of certified professionals.
Wellness and Family-Friendly Features
Beyond traditional fitness, the David Lloyd Shawfair club places a strong emphasis on wellness and relaxation. The luxury spa area is designed as a sanctuary for members to unwind.
Spa facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, a steam room, and heated relaxation beds. A range of professional treatments, such as massages and facials, are also available for an additional fee. This focus on recovery and mental well-being is a key part of the club's holistic approach to health.
"Our goal is to create more than just a gym. We want to be a destination where families can spend quality time together, individuals can achieve their health goals, and everyone can feel part of a community."
The club is also designed to be highly family-friendly. A dedicated DL Kids area provides activities for children, and a soft play frame is available for younger members. The club also runs a structured coaching program for children in swimming and tennis.
The Clubroom and Social Space
At the heart of the building is the Clubroom, a spacious café, bar, and restaurant area. It serves a menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. This space is designed to be a social hub where members can work, relax, or meet with friends and family.
The Clubroom also features a dedicated business area with charging points and Wi-Fi, appealing to remote workers who may want to combine work and a workout. An outdoor patio area provides additional seating with views of the grounds.
Local Reaction and Future Outlook
The opening has been met with positive reactions from local residents and officials, who see it as a valuable addition to the Shawfair community's infrastructure. The high-quality facility is expected to attract members from across Midlothian and south Edinburgh.
As Shawfair continues to grow, the David Lloyd Club is positioned to become a central part of community life. Its comprehensive range of facilities and focus on family activities align well with the demographic of the new housing developments.
The company has indicated that it continues to look for opportunities to expand its presence in Scotland. The success of the Shawfair location will likely serve as a model for future investments in other high-growth areas across the country.