David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a significant £12 million investment. The facility, which is the company's 103rd club in the UK, aims to provide a comprehensive range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented services to the local community.
The new club, situated near the Shawfair railway station, began welcoming members this week. It is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs in the area, spanning roles from management and fitness coaching to hospitality and administration. This development marks a major addition to the growing Shawfair community, offering residents a premium destination for health and leisure.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new £12 million health club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility is the 103rd David Lloyd Club in the UK and has created around 80 local jobs.
- Features include a 100+ station gym, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa.
- The club offers extensive family-friendly amenities, including dedicated kids' clubs and activities.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The Shawfair club represents a substantial commitment by David Lloyd Leisure to expand its presence and offer high-end wellness facilities. The £12 million project was developed to meet the demands of the expanding local population in one of Scotland's most significant new town developments.
Construction of the state-of-the-art facility was a carefully planned process designed to integrate seamlessly into the Shawfair masterplan. The club's location offers convenient access for residents of Shawfair, Dalkeith, and surrounding areas, positioning it as a central hub for community activity.
According to company representatives, the investment reflects confidence in the region's growth. The creation of 80 full-time and part-time positions provides a welcome boost to the local economy, offering stable employment in the leisure and hospitality sectors.
Inside the New Shawfair Facility
The new David Lloyd Club boasts an impressive array of amenities designed to cater to a wide range of fitness levels and interests. The facilities are spread across a spacious, modern building with distinct zones for different activities.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Training
At the core of the club is a large gymnasium equipped with over 100 stations. Members have access to the latest cardio and strength training equipment from leading brands. The gym floor is designed with an open-plan layout to provide ample space for individual workouts.
In addition to the main gym, there are several dedicated fitness studios. These include:
- A High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) studio for classes like BLAZE.
- A Mind & Body studio for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- A Group Cycling studio with advanced stationary bikes and immersive virtual classes.
The club plans to offer more than 100 group exercise classes each week, ensuring members have a diverse schedule to choose from.
Facility at a Glance
The Shawfair club includes a 20-meter indoor pool, a heated 25-meter outdoor pool, three paddle tennis courts, and three championship-standard tennis courts with an inflatable dome for year-round play.
Luxury Spa and Relaxation Areas
A significant portion of the club is dedicated to wellness and recovery. The luxury spa area, known as the Spa Retreat, is designed as a tranquil escape for adult members.
The spa facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds. This emphasis on recovery and mental wellbeing is a cornerstone of the David Lloyd experience, providing a space for members to de-stress and rejuvenate.
"Our goal was to create more than just a gym; we wanted to build a premium destination for the entire family to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle," stated Jack Phillips, the General Manager for the new Shawfair club. "From our Spa Retreat to our kids' programs, every detail has been considered to meet the needs of our members."
The club also features an outdoor spa garden, allowing members to relax in a natural setting. This space includes an outdoor sauna and comfortable seating areas.
Family-Friendly Features and Amenities
David Lloyd Clubs are known for their family-oriented approach, and the Shawfair location is no exception. The facility includes extensive programs and dedicated spaces for younger members.
The DL Kids club offers a wide range of supervised activities for children aged 3 months to 16 years. These activities are designed to be both fun and developmental, including sports, arts and crafts, and educational games. The club also provides coaching in tennis and swimming for children of all skill levels.
The Growth of Shawfair
Shawfair is a major urban expansion project located southeast of Edinburgh. The masterplan includes the development of 4,000 new homes, schools, and community facilities over a 20-year period. The addition of the David Lloyd Club is seen as a key milestone in establishing Shawfair as a fully-serviced, modern community.
For families, the club offers a dedicated family swimming pool and a soft-play area. The Clubroom, a spacious café and lounge area, serves a family-friendly menu and provides a comfortable space for members to socialize, work, or relax. The provision of high-speed Wi-Fi and a business lounge area also caters to members who may wish to work remotely from the club.
The comprehensive family offering is designed to make the club a central part of family life, where parents and children can pursue their health and wellness goals together in a safe and engaging environment.