David Lloyd Leisure Group has confirmed plans to build a new £15.5 million health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The project is expected to generate approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs, providing a significant economic boost to the local community. Construction on the new facility is scheduled to begin soon, with an anticipated opening in late 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: David Lloyd is investing £15.5 million into the new health and wellness facility.
- Job Creation: The new club is projected to create around 80 jobs in the Midlothian area.
- Location: The facility will be located in Shawfair, a developing community southeast of Edinburgh.
- Extensive Facilities: The club will feature a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and family-friendly areas.
- Timeline: Construction is set to begin shortly, with the club expected to open its doors to members in late 2024.
A Significant Development for Midlothian
The new David Lloyd club represents a substantial investment in the rapidly growing Shawfair community. The £15.5 million project underscores the company's confidence in the area's development and its commitment to expanding its presence in Scotland. This will be the first David Lloyd club in the Lothians outside of Edinburgh, signaling a strategic move to serve surrounding communities.
The creation of 80 new jobs will have a direct positive impact on the local economy. These roles are expected to span various departments, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and facility maintenance, offering a range of employment opportunities for residents in Midlothian and the wider region.
Shawfair Community Growth
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. Located just southeast of Edinburgh, the area is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The inclusion of a premium facility like a David Lloyd club is a key part of establishing Shawfair as a desirable and well-serviced community.
Inside the New Shawfair Facility
The planned 8,112-square-meter facility is designed to offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and leisure amenities for individuals and families. According to the plans, the club will be built to the highest standards, incorporating modern design and cutting-edge equipment.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Wellness Areas
At the core of the new club will be a large, modern gymnasium. This space will be equipped with the latest fitness technology, including a wide array of cardio machines, strength training equipment, and functional fitness zones. Members can expect a premium workout environment designed to cater to all fitness levels.
The club will also feature several group exercise studios. These will host a variety of classes, including David Lloyd's signature high-intensity BLAZE workout, which combines cardio, strength, and combat training in a boutique-style studio.
What is BLAZE?
BLAZE is a popular high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class offered exclusively at David Lloyd Clubs. The workout is conducted in a specially designed studio with dynamic lighting and energetic music, involving treadmills, weight benches, and punch/kick bags for a full-body workout.
Luxury Spa and Swimming Facilities
A major highlight of the Shawfair club will be its luxurious Spa Retreat. This dedicated wellness area will provide a tranquil space for relaxation and rejuvenation. Key features of the spa are expected to include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas and steam rooms
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden
In addition to the spa, the facility will boast both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The 25-meter indoor pool will be suitable for lane swimming and lessons, while the outdoor pool will offer a resort-style experience for members during warmer months.
Family and Social Amenities
David Lloyd Clubs are known for their family-friendly environment, and the Shawfair location will be no exception. The plans include dedicated DL Kids facilities, offering activities and classes for younger members. This allows parents to use the gym or spa while their children are engaged in supervised activities.
A central social hub will be the Clubroom, a café and bar area where members can work, socialize, or enjoy a meal. The Clubroom will also feature an outdoor patio, providing an additional space for relaxation.
Strategic Partnership and Vision
The development is a collaboration between David Lloyd Leisure and Buccleuch Property, the developer behind the Shawfair project. The partnership aims to integrate the premium leisure facility seamlessly into the new town's master plan, enhancing the quality of life for future residents.
"Shawfair is a key focus for our future development and the new community, which is growing on a monthly basis, will be further enhanced by this fantastic new facility," said Nick Waugh, Commercial Property Director at Buccleuch Property.
Stuart Caswell, New Clubs Acquisitions Manager at David Lloyd Leisure, also commented on the strategic importance of the location. He noted that the company had been seeking a suitable site in the Lothians for some time and that Shawfair's connectivity and growth made it an ideal choice.
Future Outlook and Community Impact
The arrival of the David Lloyd club is expected to be a catalyst for further commercial investment in Shawfair. High-quality leisure amenities are often a key factor for individuals and families when choosing a place to live, and this facility will significantly elevate the appeal of the new community.
The construction phase itself will also support local businesses and contractors, providing an additional short-term economic benefit. Once operational, the club will not only serve the residents of Shawfair but also attract members from across Midlothian and East Lothian, establishing itself as a major regional leisure destination.
With a planned opening in late 2024, the development marks a new chapter for both David Lloyd's expansion in Scotland and the continued growth of the Shawfair community. It reflects a growing demand for premium, family-oriented health and wellness facilities that offer more than just a traditional gym experience.