David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest health, wellness, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £12.5 million investment. The new facility, which is the company's third in the Edinburgh area, is expected to create approximately 80 local jobs and provide a comprehensive range of fitness and leisure amenities to the growing community.
The purpose-built club spans 8,150 square meters and includes a state-of-the-art gym, multiple swimming pools, and extensive racquet sports facilities. This opening marks a significant expansion for the David Lloyd brand in Scotland and represents one of its largest investments in the country to date.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has launched a new £12.5 million club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility is the third David Lloyd location in the greater Edinburgh area.
- Approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs have been created.
- The club features a large gym, indoor and outdoor pools, spa facilities, and racquet courts.
- The development aims to serve the rapidly expanding Shawfair community.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new David Lloyd Shawfair club is a cornerstone of the company's strategy to integrate high-quality wellness facilities into developing residential areas. The £12.5 million project was designed to cater to families, couples, and individuals seeking a premium health and fitness environment. Construction was managed to meet the needs of the new Shawfair town, a major housing development planned to include 4,000 new homes.
According to company statements, the club's opening is timed to support the new residents moving into the area. The facility is strategically located to be easily accessible for the communities of Shawfair, Dalkeith, and the surrounding Midlothian region. This investment underscores a growing trend of leisure operators anchoring new residential developments.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Investment: £12.5 million
- Size: 8,150 square meters
- Gym Floor: 1,000 square meters
- Jobs Created: ~80
- Swimming Pools: 3 (2 indoor, 1 outdoor)
- Racquet Courts: 7 (4 tennis, 3 padel)
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Leisure Facilities
The Shawfair club boasts an extensive range of amenities designed to provide a complete wellness experience. The centerpiece is a 1,000-square-meter gym floor, equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands. The space is divided into specialized zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness, allowing members to tailor their workouts.
Aquatic and Spa Amenities
A significant portion of the investment was dedicated to the club's aquatic facilities. Members have access to a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and a shallower indoor family pool. A key feature is the 20-meter heated outdoor pool, which allows for year-round swimming. This is complemented by an outdoor patio area for relaxation during warmer months.
For recovery and relaxation, the club includes a comprehensive spa. The 'Spa Retreat' offers a hydrotherapy pool, a traditional Finnish sauna, a crystal steam room, and heated spa beds. This focus on holistic well-being is a core part of the David Lloyd offering.
"Our goal with the Shawfair club was to create more than just a gym; we wanted to build a community hub for health and social connection. The range of facilities, from the outdoor pool to the Clubroom, is designed to bring people together."
Racquet Sports and Group Exercise
Staying true to its heritage, the club provides excellent facilities for racquet sports. There are four indoor tennis courts with a cushioned acrylic surface, suitable for players of all levels. Additionally, the club has invested in the growing popularity of padel tennis, installing three dedicated padel courts.
For group fitness enthusiasts, the club features four purpose-built studios. These include a High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) studio, a Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, a Group Cycling studio, and a versatile studio for various other classes. The class schedule is designed to offer a wide variety of options throughout the day.
Family-Focused Offerings and Social Spaces
A key differentiator for David Lloyd Clubs is its emphasis on family-friendly services. The Shawfair location includes a dedicated DL Kids area, offering activities for children aged 3 months to 16 years. This allows parents to use the club's facilities while their children are supervised in age-appropriate activities, including sports coaching and creative sessions.
The social heart of the club is the 'Clubroom,' an open-plan café, bar, and restaurant. It provides a space for members to socialize, work, or relax with their families. The area includes both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace, serving a menu that ranges from healthy snacks to full meals.
The Growth of Shawfair
Shawfair is one of Southeast Scotland's most significant and well-planned new towns. Located just south of Edinburgh, the development plan includes 4,000 homes, new schools, a community campus, and commercial spaces. The inclusion of a major leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is part of a master plan to create a self-sufficient and attractive community for new residents.
Economic Impact and Community Integration
The creation of approximately 80 jobs is a significant local economic benefit. Roles range from fitness instructors and spa therapists to management and hospitality staff. The company has focused on recruiting from the local Midlothian area, further embedding the club within the community it serves.
Management has expressed a commitment to becoming an integral part of the Shawfair community. Plans are in place for partnerships with local schools and community groups to promote health and wellness initiatives. The club is seen not just as a business but as a long-term partner in the development of the new town.
The opening of the David Lloyd Shawfair club reflects a wider trend in the leisure industry, where large, multi-purpose facilities that combine fitness, relaxation, and social spaces are becoming increasingly popular. As communities like Shawfair continue to grow, such amenities are considered essential for attracting and retaining residents.
