David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest luxury health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The new facility, which created approximately 80 new jobs, is part of the company's broader expansion strategy in Scotland and aims to provide comprehensive fitness and relaxation amenities to the growing community near Edinburgh.
The 100,000-square-foot club features extensive facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts, and a luxury spa. This opening marks David Lloyd's third location in the Edinburgh area and its fifth in Scotland, underscoring the company's commitment to the region's leisure market.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new £15.5 million club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility spans 100,000 square feet and has created around 80 local jobs.
- Key features include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, tennis courts, and a large gym.
- This is David Lloyd's fifth club in Scotland and the third in the Edinburgh region, part of a wider investment strategy.
A Major Investment in Scottish Leisure
The Shawfair club represents a significant capital investment for David Lloyd Leisure. The £15.5 million project is a cornerstone of the company's ongoing commitment to expanding its presence in Scotland. This development is designed to cater to the increasing demand for premium health and wellness services in the rapidly developing Shawfair area, situated southeast of Edinburgh.
Construction of the extensive facility was a major undertaking, reflecting the scale of amenities offered. The project's completion brings the total number of David Lloyd clubs in Scotland to five, with other locations in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and two others serving the Edinburgh region (Corstorphine and Newhaven).
Shawfair's Strategic Location
The choice of Shawfair is strategic. It is one of Scotland's most significant new town developments, planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. Placing a high-end leisure facility in this growing community positions David Lloyd to become an integral part of the local infrastructure and lifestyle from an early stage.
The creation of approximately 80 permanent jobs provides a notable boost to the local economy. These roles span various functions, including fitness instruction, hospitality, club management, and maintenance, offering a range of employment opportunities in the Midlothian area.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Wellness
The new Shawfair club is designed to be a comprehensive destination for health, fitness, and relaxation. Its extensive size allows for a wide array of amenities tailored to individuals and families.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Racquet Sports
At the core of the club is a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology. The gym features dedicated zones for different types of training, including cardio, strength, and functional fitness. According to the company, the space includes advanced equipment from leading manufacturers to cater to all fitness levels.
Racquet sports are a key part of the David Lloyd offering. The Shawfair location includes:
- Three indoor tennis courts with acrylic surfaces.
- Three outdoor tennis courts, allowing for year-round play.
- Four padel tennis courts, catering to the rapidly growing popularity of the sport.
These facilities are supported by coaching programs for both adults and children, reinforcing the club's family-friendly focus.
Aquatic and Spa Amenities
The club's aquatic facilities are a major draw. It features a 20-metre indoor swimming pool and a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, allowing members to swim comfortably throughout the year. The outdoor pool area is complemented by a terrace and sun loungers, creating a resort-like atmosphere during warmer months.
The BLAZE Studio
A signature feature of the new club is its BLAZE studio. This purpose-built space hosts high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes that combine cardio, strength, and combat training in a unique, energetic environment with specialized lighting and music.
Adjacent to the pools is the luxurious spa area, designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and recovery. The spa includes a range of thermal experiences:
- A Himalayan salt sauna
- A crystal steam room
- A peppermint ice cave
- Experience showers with different temperatures and light settings
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Heated relaxation beds
This extensive spa offering positions the club in the premium segment of the market, competing not just with other gyms but also with dedicated day spas.
A Focus on Family and Community
David Lloyd has consistently emphasized a family-oriented approach, and the Shawfair club is no exception. The facility includes dedicated spaces and programs for younger members.
The DL Kids area offers activities and classes for children, which are scheduled to align with adult class timetables, allowing parents to exercise while their children are supervised. There is also a soft-play area for younger children.
"Our new Shawfair club is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional health and wellness experiences for the whole family," said a company representative. "We have designed a space where members can pursue their fitness goals, relax, and spend quality time together."
The club also features a large 'Clubroom' with an indoor and outdoor terrace. This space serves as a social hub, offering a food and beverage menu for members to work, socialize, or dine. The inclusion of a business hub with workstations caters to the growing trend of remote and flexible working.
David Lloyd's Position in the UK Leisure Market
The opening of the Shawfair club solidifies David Lloyd Leisure's position as a dominant player in the UK's premium health and fitness sector. The company operates over 100 clubs in the UK and more than 30 across mainland Europe.
The company's strategy focuses on large, multi-functional sites that offer more than just a gym. By integrating fitness, wellness, racquet sports, and social spaces, David Lloyd creates a 'third space' for members beyond home and work. This model has proven resilient, attracting a broad demographic willing to pay a premium for high-quality facilities and a community atmosphere.
The Rise of Wellness-Focused Leisure
The health club industry has seen a significant shift towards holistic wellness. Consumers are increasingly looking for facilities that offer not just exercise equipment but also services for mental well-being, relaxation, and recovery. David Lloyd's investment in extensive spa facilities and community spaces at Shawfair reflects this market trend.
The £15.5 million investment in a single site demonstrates confidence in this high-end, experience-led model. As the Shawfair community continues to grow, the new David Lloyd club is well-positioned to become a central feature of local life, providing a comprehensive leisure destination for thousands of new residents in the years to come.
