David Lloyd Leisure has expanded its UK presence with the opening of a new £12.5 million health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The new facility, the company's 104th in the United Kingdom, is expected to generate approximately 80 new jobs in the rapidly developing community located near Edinburgh.
The premium club features extensive fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pools, and one of the country's increasingly popular Padel tennis courts. This investment signals continued confidence in the UK's growing wellness and leisure sector.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: David Lloyd Leisure invested £12.5 million into the new Shawfair facility.
- Job Creation: The club's opening has created around 80 full-time and part-time positions for the local economy.
- Strategic Location: The club is situated in the new Shawfair community, a major residential and commercial development near Edinburgh.
- Modern Facilities: Amenities include a large gym, multiple pools, a luxury spa, and courts for tennis, Padel, and pickleball.
A Significant Investment in Scotland's Wellness Market
The launch of the Shawfair club represents a significant capital investment by David Lloyd Leisure, Europe's largest health and wellness group. The £12.5 million project underscores the company's strategy of developing high-end facilities in areas with growing populations and a demand for premium lifestyle services.
Located just outside Edinburgh, the Shawfair site was chosen for its position within a master-planned community that is expected to attract thousands of new residents over the next decade. The club aims to become a central hub for health, fitness, and social activities in the area.
What is the Shawfair Development?
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town developments. Located southeast of Edinburgh, the project plans to deliver 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces over 20 years. The inclusion of a major leisure facility like a David Lloyd Club is a key part of creating a fully-serviced, desirable community.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
A primary benefit of the new club is its positive economic impact on Midlothian. The creation of approximately 80 jobs provides a boost to local employment, offering roles in fitness instruction, hospitality, management, and maintenance.
These positions range from entry-level to specialized professional roles, contributing to the economic vitality of the new Shawfair town. The development also engaged numerous local contractors and suppliers during its construction phase, further stimulating the regional economy.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The Shawfair club is designed to cater to a wide range of members, from individuals and couples to families. Spanning a large footprint, the facility integrates advanced fitness technology with luxury wellness and social spaces.
The club's general manager, Stirling Gay, commented on the opening and its significance for the community.
"We are so excited to be opening our doors and to start welcoming new members to the Club. This is our first new club in the UK for some time, and it’s fitting that it’s here in this thriving and fast-growing new community."
Gay added, "We are looking forward to being part of the local community and providing a space for members to relax, socialise and stay active with their friends and family."
Core Fitness and Exercise Amenities
At the heart of the club is a spacious, modern gymnasium equipped with over 100 stations. The equipment is supplied by Technogym, a leading brand in fitness technology, offering a mix of cardio, strength, and functional training options.
In addition to the main gym floor, the facility includes four dedicated group exercise studios:
- Mind & Body Studio: For classes like yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- High Energy Studio: Hosting high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and other vigorous workouts.
- Cyclone Studio: A specialized indoor cycling studio for immersive group spin classes.
- Blaisze Studio: A dedicated space for a new type of high-intensity workout.
Aquatics and Spa Facilities
The club features extensive aquatic facilities for both fitness and relaxation. A 20-metre indoor swimming pool is available for lane swimming and lessons, complemented by a separate, warmer indoor children's pool.
Spa Retreat Features
The luxurious Spa Retreat is a key attraction, designed as an adult-only sanctuary. It includes a hydro pool, a Finnish sauna, a crystal steam room, deep relax beds, and an outdoor spa garden for a complete wellness experience.
This focus on high-quality relaxation spaces aligns with the growing consumer trend of prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical fitness.
Racquet Sports and Family Services
David Lloyd has a strong heritage in racquet sports, and the Shawfair club continues this tradition with a comprehensive offering. The facility includes three indoor Padel courts, catering to the sport's surging popularity in the UK.
Additionally, members have access to four indoor tennis courts and facilities for badminton and pickleball. This diverse range of options makes the club a significant destination for racquet sports enthusiasts in the region.
Focus on Family-Friendly Offerings
A key differentiator for the David Lloyd brand is its commitment to family services. The Shawfair club includes a dedicated DL Kids area with a full program of activities for children from three months to 16 years old.
This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are supervised and engaged in age-appropriate activities. The club also features a large indoor Clubroom, a restaurant-style space offering food and drinks, with an adjacent outdoor patio for socializing.
The Rise of Padel Tennis
Padel is a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is played on a smaller, enclosed court and is known for being easy to learn and highly social. Its popularity has exploded across Europe, and the inclusion of three indoor courts at the new David Lloyd club reflects the high demand for this fast-growing sport in the UK.
Strategic Outlook for David Lloyd
The opening of the Shawfair club is David Lloyd Leisure's first new UK location in several years, indicating a renewed focus on domestic expansion. The company currently operates 133 clubs across nine European countries, with 104 located in the UK.
This latest investment highlights a strategy of targeting new, affluent residential developments where demand for premium leisure services is strong. By embedding itself into the fabric of a new community like Shawfair, David Lloyd aims to secure a long-term member base and establish itself as an essential local amenity.
The success of the Shawfair model could serve as a blueprint for future expansion in similar large-scale residential projects across the United Kingdom, as the wellness industry continues to demonstrate robust growth.
