David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its new £12 million health and wellness facility in Shawford Park, creating approximately 80 new jobs and providing a comprehensive range of fitness and leisure amenities for the local community. The new club, the company's 103rd in the UK, represents a significant investment in the region's wellness infrastructure.
The state-of-the-art facility features indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a large gymnasium with over 100 weekly classes, and extensive racquet sports courts. It also includes dedicated family zones, a luxury spa, and a versatile Clubroom for socialising and remote work, positioning itself as a premium destination for health, family, and community life.
Key Takeaways
- New Facility: David Lloyd Clubs has opened a new health and wellness club in Shawford Park.
- Investment: The project involved a total investment of £12 million.
- Job Creation: Approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs have been created for the local area.
- Key Features: The club includes multiple swimming pools, a 1,200 sq m gym, tennis courts, a luxury spa, and dedicated family facilities.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The development of the Shawford Park club is part of David Lloyd's ongoing strategy to expand its presence in key suburban areas across the United Kingdom. The £12 million investment underscores the company's confidence in the growing demand for premium health and wellness services.
Construction on the site began approximately 18 months ago and was completed on schedule. The project focused on creating a modern, energy-efficient building designed to serve a diverse membership base, from individuals and couples to families.
"Our goal was to create more than just a gym; we wanted to build a community hub where people can focus on their physical and mental wellbeing, spend quality time with family, and connect with others. This £12 million investment reflects our commitment to providing the best possible facilities."
The new opening marks the 103rd David Lloyd Club in the UK and the 133rd globally. The company continues to identify locations where it can integrate its comprehensive wellness model into local communities.
Inside the New Shawford Park Facility
The Shawford Park club offers an extensive range of facilities designed to cater to various fitness levels and interests. The centerpiece is the large, open-plan gymnasium, which spans over 1,200 square meters.
Fitness and Exercise Areas
The gym is equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands. It features distinct zones for different types of training, including cardio, free weights, functional training, and strength development. Members have access to a schedule of more than 100 group exercise classes each week, held in three dedicated studios for activities like yoga, Pilates, spinning, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £12 million
- Gym Size: 1,200 square meters
- Swimming Pools: 2 (25m indoor, 20m outdoor)
- Tennis Courts: 5 indoor, 3 outdoor
- Spa Facilities: Hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, heated beds
- Jobs Created: ~80
Aquatics and Racquet Sports
A significant portion of the investment was allocated to the club's swimming and racquet facilities. The aquatics center includes a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and lessons, alongside a shallower family pool. During warmer months, members can use the 20-meter heated outdoor pool, which is surrounded by a sun terrace and loungers.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club provides a total of eight courts:
- Five indoor tennis courts with a cushioned acrylic surface.
- Three outdoor tennis courts, which are floodlit for year-round play.
- Additionally, the club offers two Padel courts and two squash courts.
Professional coaching is available for members of all ages and skill levels across all racquet sports.
More Than Just a Gym: Family and Spa Amenities
A key element of the David Lloyd model is its focus on providing a comprehensive lifestyle experience that extends beyond fitness. The Shawford Park club places a strong emphasis on family activities and relaxation.
The Rise of Wellness Hubs
Modern health clubs are evolving from simple gyms into multi-purpose wellness hubs. This trend involves integrating fitness with social spaces, work facilities, and relaxation areas like spas. The goal is to create a 'third place' for members—a location outside of home and work—that supports a balanced lifestyle. David Lloyd's model, with its combination of family activities, co-working spaces, and premium spa facilities, is a prime example of this industry shift.
The DL Kids program offers a wide range of supervised activities for children, including sports coaching, arts and crafts, and holiday clubs. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are engaged in a safe and fun environment. The club also features a dedicated soft-play area for younger children.
For adults seeking relaxation and recovery, the club's luxury spa provides a quiet retreat. The BSpa includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Finnish sauna, a steam room, and heated relaxation beds. A range of professional treatments, such as massages and facials, are also available to book.
The central social space is the Clubroom, a large lounge area with an indoor and outdoor terrace. It serves fresh food and drinks throughout the day and includes an adults-only area and a business hub with workstations and complimentary Wi-Fi, catering to the rise in flexible working.
Economic and Community Impact
The opening of the David Lloyd club is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy. The creation of approximately 80 new jobs provides significant employment opportunities in the area. Roles range from fitness coaches and lifeguards to hospitality staff and management positions.
According to a statement from the company, recruitment focused on hiring from the local community where possible. All staff members receive extensive training through the David Lloyd Academy to ensure high standards of service and safety.
"We are thrilled to bring this world-class facility to Shawford Park. The response from the community has been incredibly positive, and we are already seeing a strong membership uptake. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the local community for many years to come."
Local officials have welcomed the investment, noting its contribution to both job creation and the promotion of a healthier lifestyle for residents. The club is expected to attract members from Shawford Park and surrounding neighborhoods, becoming a new focal point for community activity.