David Lloyd Clubs has announced a £12.5 million investment to build a new health, spa, and racquets club in Shawfair, a developing community on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland. The project is expected to create more than 80 full-time and part-time jobs and is scheduled to open its doors to the public in the spring of 2025.
The new facility will be the company's third location in the Edinburgh area and its 104th club in the United Kingdom. It aims to provide comprehensive wellness and leisure services to the growing population of Shawfair and the surrounding Midlothian region.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs is investing £12.5 million in a new club in Shawfair, near Edinburgh.
- The project will generate over 80 new jobs in the local community.
- The facility will include a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and extensive racquet sports courts.
- The club is part of the broader Shawfair development, a major new town project in Midlothian.
- This opening marks David Lloyd's 104th club in the UK and reflects its continued expansion strategy.
Details of the New Shawfair Facility
The planned David Lloyd Shawfair club will offer a wide array of premium health and wellness amenities. The company has outlined that the facility is designed to cater to individuals and families with a focus on high-quality equipment and services.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Wellness Areas
At the core of the new club will be a large, modern gymnasium spanning over 10,000 square feet. It will be equipped with the latest fitness technology, including a variety of cardio and strength-training machines. Additionally, dedicated zones for functional training, free weights, and group exercise will be available.
The club will host a diverse schedule of group classes, with multiple studios designed for activities such as yoga, Pilates, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and indoor cycling. These classes are included as part of the membership package.
Facility Highlights
- Gymnasium: 10,000+ sq ft with advanced fitness equipment.
- Swimming Pools: A 25-meter indoor pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool.
- Spa: A luxury spa garden with a sauna, steam room, hydro pool, and relaxation areas.
- Racquet Sports: Multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts, plus Padel and badminton courts.
- Family Services: A dedicated DL Kids club area and a creche for younger children.
Luxury Spa and Aquatics
A significant feature of the Shawfair location will be its extensive spa facilities. The 'Spa Garden' is designed as a relaxation retreat, featuring an outdoor hydro pool, sauna, steam room, and comfortable loungers. This area is intended to provide a tranquil environment for members to unwind.
In addition to the spa, the club will have both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. A 25-meter indoor pool will be available for lane swimming and lessons, while a 20-meter heated outdoor pool will allow for year-round use.
Economic Impact and Community Integration
The development of the David Lloyd club represents a significant private investment in the Shawfair community. The creation of jobs and the provision of new amenities are expected to have a positive effect on the local economy and residents' quality of life.
Job Creation and Local Employment
The project will create more than 80 permanent jobs, offering a mix of full-time and part-time positions. Roles will be available across various departments, including fitness instruction, hospitality, club management, sales, and maintenance. The company has stated its intention to recruit heavily from the local area.
"We are delighted to bring our world-class facilities to Shawfair. This £12.5 million investment will not only provide a premium health and wellness destination but will also create valuable jobs and contribute to the local economy. We look forward to becoming an integral part of this vibrant, growing community," said Michelle Chambers-Cran, Regional Manager for David Lloyd Clubs.
Supporting Shawfair's Growth
The new club is a key component of the ongoing Shawfair development, which is one of Scotland's largest urban expansion projects. The master plan for Shawfair includes the construction of 4,000 new homes, schools, a town center, and commercial spaces. The introduction of a major leisure facility like David Lloyd is seen as a crucial step in establishing the area as a self-sufficient and desirable place to live.
About the Shawfair Development
Shawfair is a new town being built on a 700-hectare site bordering Edinburgh and Midlothian. It is designed to be a sustainable community with excellent transport links, including its own railway station on the Borders Railway line, which provides a 15-minute connection to central Edinburgh. The project is a joint venture between Mactaggart & Mickel and Buccleuch Property.
David Lloyd Clubs' Broader Expansion Strategy
The opening in Shawfair is consistent with David Lloyd Clubs' long-term strategy of expanding its presence in key suburban and developing areas across the UK and Europe. The company focuses on locations with growing populations and a demand for premium family-oriented leisure facilities.
A Focus on Premium Family Leisure
David Lloyd has successfully positioned itself in the premium segment of the health and fitness market. Its model combines traditional gym facilities with a wider range of offerings, such as racquet sports, spa services, and extensive children's programs. This holistic approach attracts a broad demographic, particularly families.
The company also emphasizes the social aspect of its clubs, with integrated cafes, restaurants, and business lounges designed to encourage members to spend more time at the facilities. This 'third space' concept, a place between home and work, has been central to its brand identity and member retention.
Future Plans and Market Position
With 103 clubs in the UK and a further 30 across mainland Europe, David Lloyd continues to be a dominant player in the industry. The company has indicated that it is actively seeking new sites for development, targeting areas with strong residential growth.
The investment in Shawfair underscores the company's confidence in the physical fitness and wellness market, even as digital and at-home fitness solutions have gained popularity. The emphasis on high-quality physical spaces and a diverse range of in-person services remains the cornerstone of its business model.