David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest health and wellness facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £12 million investment. The new club, which created approximately 80 local jobs, is the company's 103rd location in the UK and its 133rd globally, signaling continued expansion in the premium leisure market.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has launched a new £12 million facility in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The project has generated around 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the local area.
- The 7,800-square-metre club features extensive fitness, spa, and family-oriented amenities.
- This opening marks the company's 103rd club in the UK and continues its strategic growth.
New Facility Details and Investment
The Shawfair club represents a significant investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. The £12 million development was constructed to meet the growing demand for comprehensive health and wellness services in the expanding Shawfair community and surrounding areas.
Spanning an impressive 7,800 square metres, the facility is designed to cater to a wide range of members, from individuals to families. Construction focused on creating a modern, high-specification environment with distinct zones for different activities.
State-of-the-Art Fitness Equipment
The heart of the new club is its expansive gym floor, which is equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands. Members have access to a wide array of cardio machines, resistance training equipment, and a dedicated free weights area. The layout is designed for efficient workouts, minimizing wait times and providing ample space for all fitness levels.
In addition to the main gym, there are several specialized fitness studios. These include a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) studio for classes like Blaze, a serene Mind & Body studio for yoga and Pilates, and a dynamic Group Cycling studio. This multi-studio approach allows for a diverse class schedule catering to various fitness preferences.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £12 million
- Size: 7,800 square metres
- Jobs Created: Approximately 80
- Indoor Pool: 20 metres
- Tennis Courts: 3 indoor, 2 outdoor
Comprehensive Wellness and Spa Offerings
A key feature of the David Lloyd Shawfair club is its extensive spa and wellness area, known as the Spa Retreat. This section is designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, separate from the high-energy fitness zones.
The Spa Retreat includes a hydrotherapy pool, a Himalayan salt sauna, a steam room, an ice fountain, and heated relaxation beds. These facilities provide members with a premium spa experience, promoting both physical and mental well-being. The design emphasizes tranquility and offers a quiet space for members to unwind.
"Our goal with the Shawfair club was to create a complete destination for health, fitness, and relaxation for the entire community," said Michelle Chambers-Cran, the General Manager. "We've seen tremendous interest and are excited to welcome our new members."
Aquatics and Racquet Sports
The club's aquatic facilities are a major draw. It features a 20-metre indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and aqua-aerobics classes, alongside a separate, warmer indoor splash pool designed specifically for children. An outdoor swimming pool and terrace area provide a resort-like feel during warmer months.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the facility includes three indoor tennis courts and two outdoor courts, all with Padel surfacing. The club will also offer professional coaching programs for both adults and children, managed by experienced tennis professionals.
The Growth of Shawfair
Shawfair is a new town development located southeast of Edinburgh. It is one of Scotland's most significant urban expansion projects, planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The addition of a major leisure facility like David Lloyd Clubs is a key part of developing the community's infrastructure and amenities.
Economic Impact and Community Integration
The opening of the Shawfair club has provided a notable boost to the local economy. The creation of approximately 80 jobs across various roles, including fitness instruction, hospitality, management, and maintenance, is a significant contribution to local employment.
Many of the new positions have been filled by residents from Midlothian and the surrounding areas. The company stated its commitment to local hiring was a priority during the recruitment process. This approach helps ensure the club is integrated into the fabric of the community it serves.
Family-Oriented Services
David Lloyd Clubs has a strong focus on family-friendly services, and the Shawfair location is no exception. The club includes a dedicated DL Kids area offering a range of activities and coaching for younger members. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
The club also features a large Clubroom and café bar with both indoor and outdoor seating. This space serves as a social hub for members to work, relax, or dine. The menu offers a range of healthy meals and snacks, catering to post-workout nutrition and casual dining.
According to the company, providing these comprehensive family services is central to their membership model, which aims to create a community hub rather than just a gym.
Strategic Expansion for David Lloyd Leisure
The opening in Shawfair is part of a broader strategy of targeted growth for David Lloyd Leisure, the parent company. This new location is the fourth in Scotland, joining existing clubs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. It fills a geographical gap and taps into the growing population of the Midlothian corridor.
Stephen Brown, a Regional Manager for David Lloyd Clubs, commented on the launch. "Shawfair is a perfect location for our latest club. The community is growing rapidly, and there is strong demand for the premium, family-focused facilities that we provide. This £12 million investment underscores our confidence in the Scottish market."
The company continues to identify new sites for development across the UK and Europe, focusing on areas with favorable demographics and a lack of premium health and wellness offerings. The successful launch at Shawfair is expected to serve as a model for future expansions in similar suburban growth zones.