David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The new health, wellness, and racquets club is the company's 104th in the UK and has created approximately 80 new jobs in the local community.
Located south-east of Edinburgh, the Shawfair club is a significant addition to the area's amenities and represents a major investment in the growing community. The facility is designed to cater to a wide range of members, from families to individuals seeking premium fitness and relaxation services.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has invested £15.5 million in a new club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The new facility has generated around 80 full-time and part-time jobs.
- It is the company's 104th club in the UK and 134th in Europe.
- The club features extensive facilities, including a 100-station gym, multiple pools, a luxury spa, and tennis courts.
- The development is part of the broader Shawfair masterplan, a new town being built on the edge of Edinburgh.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new David Lloyd Shawfair facility is a substantial development, covering a large footprint designed to offer a comprehensive wellness experience. The £15.5 million investment underscores the company's commitment to expanding its presence in key growth areas across the UK.
This new club is strategically positioned to serve the residents of the new Shawfair town and surrounding areas, including Dalkeith and southeast Edinburgh. Its opening marks a significant milestone for the local community, providing both employment opportunities and access to high-quality leisure amenities.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A key benefit of the new club is its contribution to the local economy. The creation of approximately 80 new positions provides a welcome boost to employment in the Midlothian area. Roles at the new facility span a variety of functions, including:
- Management and administration
- Fitness coaching and personal training
- Hospitality and food service
- Spa therapy and wellness services
- Children's activity coordination
- Facilities maintenance
According to company announcements, the hiring process focused on recruiting from the local talent pool, ensuring that the community directly benefits from the investment. This approach integrates the club into the fabric of the local economy from its inception.
The Shawfair Masterplan
The David Lloyd Club is an integral part of the Shawfair development, one of Scotland's most ambitious new town projects. The masterplan includes the construction of 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces over the next two decades. The inclusion of a premium leisure facility like David Lloyd is intended to attract residents and establish Shawfair as a desirable place to live.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Services
The Shawfair club is designed to meet the standards of David Lloyd's premium offerings, providing a wide array of facilities for fitness, relaxation, and socializing. The goal is to create a comprehensive destination for health and wellness for all ages.
The centerpiece of the club is its expansive 100-station gym, which features the latest fitness equipment. This includes a variety of cardio machines, resistance training equipment, and a dedicated free weights area. The gym is designed with an open-plan layout to provide a spacious and motivating environment for members.
Fitness and Group Exercise
Beyond the main gym floor, the club offers several specialized studios for group exercise. These studios host a diverse timetable of classes catering to different fitness levels and preferences.
The Shawfair club features three dedicated group exercise studios, including a high-intensity BLAZE studio, a Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a cycle hub for indoor cycling classes.
The BLAZE studio is a signature offering from David Lloyd, providing a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that combines cardio, strength, and combat elements. These classes are designed to be challenging and effective, appealing to members seeking results-driven workouts.
Comprehensive Wellness and Relaxation
A significant portion of the new facility is dedicated to wellness and recovery. The club features a luxurious spa designed as a retreat for adult members. This emphasis on relaxation aligns with the growing consumer demand for holistic wellness solutions that go beyond traditional exercise.
The spa facilities include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- A sauna and a steam room
- Heated relaxation beds
- An exclusive outdoor spa garden
The outdoor spa garden is a key feature, providing a tranquil space for members to relax and unwind in a natural setting. This addition reflects a trend in the leisure industry towards creating premium, resort-like experiences within a club environment.
"Our new Shawfair club is a testament to our commitment to providing best-in-class facilities for our members. We have carefully designed every aspect of the club to ensure it offers a premium experience for families and individuals alike."
Swimming and Racquet Sports
Swimming is a core component of the David Lloyd offering. The Shawfair club includes both a 20-meter indoor pool and a 25-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming regardless of the weather. A separate indoor splash pool for children makes the club particularly attractive to families.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the club provides three indoor tennis courts and three outdoor courts with a bubble cover for all-weather play. It also features Padel courts, catering to the rapidly growing popularity of the sport. Professional coaching is available for members of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
A Family-Focused Environment
While offering premium adult-only spaces, the club is fundamentally designed to be family-friendly. The inclusion of dedicated children's facilities is a key part of David Lloyd's business model. The DL Kids area offers a range of activities and classes designed to keep younger members active and engaged.
The Clubroom serves as the social hub of the facility, offering a restaurant and café bar with both indoor and outdoor terrace seating. This space is designed for members to work, socialize, and relax, further positioning the club as a central part of their lifestyle rather than just a place to exercise.
The opening of the Shawfair club represents a confident move by David Lloyd Clubs, signaling continued investment in the UK's premium health and wellness market. By anchoring itself in a major new residential development, the company is positioning itself for sustained growth in the years to come.
