David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened a new £13 million luxury health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, marking a significant investment in the region. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened in August 2023, has created approximately 80 new jobs and provides a wide range of premium fitness and leisure amenities to the growing local community.
The expansive 10,000-square-meter club is designed to cater to all ages and fitness levels, featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a world-class gym, multiple tennis courts, and an exclusive spa retreat. This development represents one of the company's most substantial investments in Scotland in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure invested £13 million to build a new luxury health club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The new facility created approximately 80 permanent jobs in the local area.
- Key features include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, multiple tennis and padel courts, and a state-of-the-art gym.
- The club is a central part of the wider Shawfair development, a major new residential community.
A Major Investment in Regional Wellness
The construction and launch of the David Lloyd Shawfair club represent a significant capital investment in the Midlothian area. The £13 million project underscores the company's confidence in the region's economic growth and the demand for premium health and wellness services.
This new club is strategically located to serve the new town of Shawfair, a large-scale development planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The health club is positioned as a cornerstone amenity for new and existing residents, enhancing the appeal of the area as a place to live and work.
The Growing Shawfair Community
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town projects. Situated southeast of Edinburgh's city center, the development is transforming former industrial land into a modern, well-connected community. The inclusion of high-quality facilities like the David Lloyd Club is central to the master plan, aiming to provide a high standard of living for its residents.
The creation of 80 jobs provides a welcome boost to the local economy. These roles span various departments, including fitness instruction, hospitality, club management, and maintenance, offering diverse employment opportunities.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Relaxation
The Shawfair club boasts an impressive array of facilities designed to provide a comprehensive health and wellness experience. Members have access to a wide variety of options to suit their fitness goals and lifestyle preferences.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Racquet Sports
At the heart of the club is a modern gym equipped with the latest fitness technology. The space includes dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness. According to David Lloyd, the club offers over 100 group exercise classes each week, held in specialized studios for activities like cycling, yoga, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Racquet sports are a major focus, with facilities including:
- Indoor and outdoor tennis courts: Allowing for year-round play and coaching.
- Padel courts: Catering to the fast-growing popularity of the sport, which combines elements of tennis and squash.
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of David Lloyd Shawfair, highlighted the club's comprehensive offerings.
"We are thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome our first members to David Lloyd Shawfair. This club has been designed to be a place where families and individuals can spend quality time together, focusing on their health and well-being."
Aquatic and Spa Amenities
The club features both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter outdoor pool, allowing for swimming in all seasons. The outdoor area is complemented by a patio and sun loungers, creating a resort-like atmosphere during warmer months.
For relaxation and recovery, the club includes a luxurious spa area. This dedicated zone offers a range of hydrotherapy and heat experiences, including:
- A hydro pool
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Heated beds
This spa retreat is designed to provide members with a tranquil space to unwind after a workout or simply escape from daily stress.
What is Padel Tennis?
Padel is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico and is rapidly gaining popularity across Europe. It is played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The rules are similar to tennis, but players can use the surrounding glass walls, which adds a unique dimension to the game. Its accessible nature makes it popular with players of all ages and skill levels.
A Family-Friendly Environment
A key element of the David Lloyd brand is its focus on family. The Shawfair club is no exception, offering extensive facilities and programs for children. The dedicated DL Kids area provides a safe and engaging space for younger members, with activities and coaching tailored to different age groups.
The club also features a spacious Clubroom, which serves as a central social hub. With an indoor and outdoor patio area, it functions as a restaurant and workspace, allowing members to eat, socialize, and work remotely in a comfortable setting. This integrated approach encourages members to view the club as a central part of their daily lives, not just a place to exercise.
The combination of adult fitness areas, children's facilities, and social spaces makes the club an attractive destination for the entire family. This model aims to foster a strong sense of community among its members.
Strategic Importance for the David Lloyd Group
The opening of the Shawfair club is part of David Lloyd Leisure's broader strategy of expanding its presence in key growth areas across the UK. With over 130 clubs in the UK and Europe, the company continues to invest in new sites and refurbish existing ones to maintain its position as a leader in the premium health and fitness market.
The choice of Shawfair reflects a strategic decision to embed its facilities within new, large-scale residential developments where demand for high-quality leisure amenities is strong. By becoming an integral part of the new town's infrastructure, David Lloyd aims to secure a long-term member base from the thousands of families moving into the area.
As the Shawfair community continues to grow, the new health club is well-positioned to become a vital hub for fitness, relaxation, and social activity in Midlothian for years to come.
