David Lloyd Clubs has announced the development of a new £32 million health, wellness, and racquets club in Shawfair, located on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The project is expected to create approximately 150 permanent jobs and will provide a wide range of premium fitness and leisure facilities for families and individuals in the region.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club is being built in Shawfair, near Edinburgh, with a £32 million investment.
- The facility will create around 150 full-time and part-time jobs upon completion.
- Features include a 100+ station gym, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa.
- The club aims to provide a premium, family-oriented health and wellness experience for the local community.
Details of the New Shawfair Development
The new David Lloyd Club will be situated within the growing Shawfair community, a major urban expansion project between Edinburgh and Dalkeith. The development marks a significant investment in the area's leisure infrastructure, catering to a rising population seeking high-quality wellness amenities.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening date in late 2025. The club will occupy a substantial plot, allowing for both extensive indoor facilities and outdoor activity spaces. According to the company, the design will incorporate modern, energy-efficient building practices.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The Shawfair club is set to become one of the brand's flagship locations in Scotland, offering a comprehensive suite of services. The facilities are designed to cater to a wide range of fitness levels and interests.
Key features of the new club will include:
- A 10,000-square-foot gymnasium with over 100 stations of advanced fitness equipment.
- Both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool.
- Three group exercise studios offering classes such as yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- Indoor and outdoor tennis courts, along with facilities for squash and badminton.
- A dedicated indoor cycling studio for immersive spin classes.
Who Are David Lloyd Clubs?
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is a leading health, sport, and leisure group in Europe. The company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and mainland Europe, focusing on a family-friendly model that combines fitness, wellness, and social activities. They are known for their extensive racquets facilities and premium spa environments.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The £32 million investment represents a major economic boost for the Midlothian area. Beyond the initial construction jobs, the club's operation will generate approximately 150 permanent roles. These positions will span various departments, including fitness instruction, hospitality, facility management, and administration.
Recruitment for key management positions is expected to begin in early 2025, followed by a broader hiring campaign for other roles closer to the club's opening. The company has stated its intention to hire from the local community wherever possible, providing stable employment and career development opportunities.
"We are thrilled to bring a world-class health and wellness facility to the Shawfair community. This £32 million investment underscores our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our members and creating valuable jobs in the local economy. The club will be a space for families to stay active, socialize, and prioritize their well-being."
Focus on Wellness and Family
A central component of the new club will be its luxurious spa and wellness area. This section is designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and recovery, separate from the main fitness zones. Members will have access to a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and relaxation lounges.
The club will also feature extensive family-oriented amenities. This includes a dedicated DL Kids area with supervised activities, coaching programs for swimming and tennis, and a family-friendly café and restaurant space known as the Clubroom.
The Clubroom will serve as the social hub of the facility, offering a place for members to work, relax, and dine. This integrated approach aligns with David Lloyd's strategy of creating a community-focused environment rather than just a traditional gym.
UK Fitness Industry Statistics
According to recent market reports, the UK health and fitness club market is valued at over £5 billion. Approximately 15% of the UK population holds a gym membership, a figure that highlights the growing public interest in health and wellness services.
Strategic Location and Future Growth
The choice of Shawfair for this major development is strategic. The area is one of Scotland's best-connected new towns, with excellent transport links to Edinburgh city center via the Borders Railway. The ongoing residential development means a growing population of potential members is already established in the vicinity.
This new club is part of David Lloyd's broader expansion strategy, which involves identifying and investing in areas with strong demographic growth and a demand for premium leisure facilities. The Shawfair location will be the company's third club in the Edinburgh area, complementing existing sites at Newhaven Harbour and Corstorphine.
The company continues to invest in upgrading its existing portfolio while seeking opportunities for new builds. This dual approach of modernization and expansion aims to solidify its position as a market leader in the European health and wellness sector.