David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £12.5 million investment. The state-of-the-art health, wellness, and racquets club is expected to create over 80 full-time and part-time jobs, providing a significant boost to the local economy and community infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Shawfair, Midlothian, representing a £12.5 million investment.
- The facility has created more than 80 jobs and offers extensive health, fitness, and leisure amenities.
- Features include a 100+ station gym, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa area.
- The club is designed to cater to families, with dedicated kids' facilities and programs.
Details of the New Shawfair Facility
The newly constructed club is located within the growing Shawfair development, situated between Edinburgh and Dalkeith. The project represents a major addition to the area's amenities, catering to the expanding residential community. Construction was completed on schedule, with the doors opening to members this week.
According to the company, the development spans several acres and includes a wide range of premium facilities designed for fitness, relaxation, and socializing. The investment underscores David Lloyd's strategy of expanding its presence in key suburban growth areas across the UK.
About David Lloyd Clubs
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health and wellness group in Europe. It operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe. The clubs are known for their comprehensive facilities that often include gyms, swimming pools, racquet sports, and family-oriented services.
Comprehensive Fitness and Wellness Amenities
The heart of the Shawfair club is its expansive gym, which features more than 100 stations of modern fitness equipment. This includes the latest technology from brands like Technogym and Life Fitness, covering cardiovascular, strength, and functional training zones.
Studios and Group Classes
In addition to the main gym floor, the club houses several dedicated fitness studios. These include a high-impact studio for classes like BodyPump and BodyCombat, a mind-and-body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a specialist indoor cycling studio.
The group exercise timetable is set to offer over 120 classes per week, catering to all fitness levels and interests. This extensive schedule is a core part of the David Lloyd membership model, aiming to provide variety and motivation for members.
Facility by the Numbers
- £12.5 million: Total investment in the new club.
- 80+: New full-time and part-time jobs created.
- 100+: Pieces of state-of-the-art gym equipment.
- 120+: Weekly group exercise classes offered.
- 3: Indoor Padel tennis courts.
Swimming and Racquet Sports
A significant feature of the new location is its aquatic facilities. The club includes a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and a shallower, warmer indoor family pool. An outdoor heated pool is also available, allowing for year-round use.
Racquet sports are a traditional focus for the brand. The Shawfair club features multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts. It is also one of the latest clubs to include Padel tennis courts, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. The facility has three indoor Padel courts, reflecting the increasing demand for the sport.
"Our goal was to create a comprehensive destination for the entire family," said Sarah Campbell, the newly appointed General Manager for the Shawfair club. "We are not just a gym; we are a community hub where families can spend quality time together while pursuing a healthy lifestyle."
Spa and Relaxation Areas
Beyond physical fitness, the club places a strong emphasis on wellness and recovery. A dedicated luxury spa area, known as the Spa Retreat, is a central part of the offering. This space is designed for adult members seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Spa Retreat includes a variety of hydrotherapy facilities:
- A large hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas with different temperatures and humidity levels
- A crystal steam room
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden with lounge areas
This focus on integrated wellness is a key differentiator for the brand, aiming to provide a holistic health experience that goes beyond traditional gym services.
Family-Focused Features and Community Impact
David Lloyd has consistently targeted the family market, and the Shawfair club is no exception. The facility includes dedicated spaces and programs for children, managed under the 'DL Kids' brand. These areas feature soft play zones, craft rooms, and organized activities scheduled to coincide with adult fitness classes.
The club also features a large 'Clubroom' which functions as a café, bar, and restaurant. This social space offers both indoor and outdoor terrace seating and is designed to be a central meeting point for members. A dedicated business hub with workstations and complimentary Wi-Fi is also integrated into the Clubroom for members who wish to work remotely.
The Growth of Shawfair
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. The masterplan includes the construction of 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces over the next two decades. The arrival of a major leisure operator like David Lloyd is seen as a key step in establishing the social and community infrastructure for the growing population.
The creation of over 80 jobs is a significant local economic benefit. Roles range from fitness instructors and lifeguards to hospitality staff and management positions. The company has focused on recruiting from the local Midlothian and Edinburgh areas.
"Investing in communities like Shawfair is central to our growth strategy," a spokesperson for David Lloyd Leisure stated. "We see a fantastic opportunity here to provide world-class facilities that support the health and wellbeing of a vibrant and expanding community. We are excited to welcome our first members."
The opening of the club is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the area, attracting further investment and cementing Shawfair's reputation as a desirable place to live. Membership sales reportedly began several months prior to the opening, with strong initial interest from local residents.