David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The new facility, which is the company's 104th club in the UK, is expected to create approximately 80 jobs and serve as a central hub for the growing local community.
The 7,700-square-meter club is a key component of the Shawfair town center development, a major project situated southeast of Edinburgh. It offers a wide range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities designed to cater to all age groups.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £15.5 million in a new club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility spans 7,700 square meters and has created around 80 new jobs.
- Amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art gym, multiple exercise studios, tennis and Padel courts, and extensive spa facilities.
- The club is part of the larger Shawfair masterplan, a new town development near Edinburgh.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new David Lloyd Shawfair club represents a significant commitment to the region's health and leisure infrastructure. The facility is designed to be more than just a gym; it aims to be a comprehensive wellness destination for individuals and families. According to the company, the club is equipped to meet the evolving fitness and lifestyle needs of the modern consumer.
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is a 100+ station gym featuring advanced equipment from Technogym and Eleiko. This is complemented by four dedicated group exercise studios, each with a specific focus: a Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, a High-Energy studio for dynamic classes, and a Cyclone studio for indoor cycling.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £15.5 million
- Total Area: 7,700 square meters
- Jobs Created: Approximately 80
- Gym: Over 100 stations
- Pools: 20m indoor, 25m outdoor
- Racquet Sports: 4 tennis courts, 3 Padel courts
Expanding Racquet Sports and Family Services
A key feature of the Shawfair club is its extensive provision for racquet sports. The facility includes four tennis courts, with options for both indoor and outdoor play, catering to year-round activity. In a nod to one of the fastest-growing sports, the club also features three Padel courts, a hybrid of tennis and squash.
Family services are also a core part of the David Lloyd model. The Shawfair location includes dedicated DL Kids facilities, offering activities for children aged 3 months to 16 years. This allows parents to utilize the club's amenities while their children are engaged in supervised programs.
State-of-the-Art Spa and Relaxation Facilities
Beyond physical fitness, the club places a strong emphasis on relaxation and recovery. The spa area is a significant component of the new build, offering a range of premium amenities designed for member rejuvenation.
"David Lloyd Shawfair is our 104th club in the UK and our 134th in Europe, and is a fantastic addition to our growing portfolio," stated Stephen Grey, CEO of David Lloyd Leisure. "The club has been developed with the modern family in mind and offers a premium destination for the local community to come together and enjoy a range of health, wellness and social activities."
The indoor spa facilities include a hydro pool, a sauna, a steam room, and heated relaxation beds. A unique element is the addition of an outdoor Spa Garden, which provides an open-air environment for relaxation and features its own outdoor sauna.
Aquatic Offerings for All Seasons
The swimming facilities are designed for both training and leisure. A 20-meter indoor pool provides a space for lessons and lane swimming, while a larger 25-meter heated outdoor pool allows for year-round open-air swimming. This dual-pool setup ensures members have options regardless of the weather.
What is the Shawfair Development?
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. Located southeast of Edinburgh, the masterplan includes the construction of 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The David Lloyd club is a cornerstone of the new town center, intended to provide essential leisure and community facilities for the thousands of new residents moving into the area.
A Hub for Work, Socializing, and Community
The club's design incorporates spaces for activities beyond exercise. A spacious Clubroom serves as a social hub, offering a place for members to eat, relax, and socialize. Recognizing the trend towards flexible work, the club also includes a dedicated business area with workstations, providing a quiet space for members to work remotely.
Stirling Stewart, the General Manager of David Lloyd Shawfair, highlighted the club's role in the community.
"We are so excited to be open and to welcome our first members to the club. The facilities are second to none in the area and we’ve had a brilliant response from the local community who seem equally as excited as we are," Stewart said. "We look forward to becoming a key part of the local community for many years to come."
The club's integration into the wider Shawfair project is seen as a key to its success. Nick Waugh, Director of Shawfair LLP, commented on the club's strategic importance, stating it would be a "fantastic asset" for the growing community and would attract people to the area.
With its comprehensive offerings and strategic location, the David Lloyd Shawfair club is positioned to become a central part of life for residents in Midlothian and the surrounding areas, blending fitness, wellness, and community engagement under one roof.