David Lloyd Leisure has announced the upcoming opening of its newest health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a significant £15.5 million investment. The new facility is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs and will offer a comprehensive range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities to the local community.
The club, which represents the company's 104th location in the UK, is designed to cater to a wide range of members with state-of-the-art equipment and premium facilities. This development marks a major addition to the Shawfair area, a growing residential community situated between Edinburgh and Dalkeith.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure is opening a new club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The project represents a £15.5 million investment in the local area.
- The new facility will create approximately 80 full-time and part-time jobs.
- Features include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, tennis courts, and dedicated family areas.
- This marks David Lloyd's 13th club in Scotland and its 104th in the UK.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The construction of the Shawfair David Lloyd Club is a substantial undertaking, reflecting the company's confidence in the region's growth. The £15.5 million investment covers the entire development, from initial groundwork to the installation of high-end fitness equipment and luxury finishes throughout the facility.
This investment is not just in physical infrastructure but also in the local economy. The creation of 80 new positions will provide employment opportunities across various roles, including fitness instruction, hospitality, club management, and maintenance. According to the company, recruitment for these roles is already underway, focusing on hiring from the local talent pool.
The Growing Shawfair Community
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. Located southeast of Edinburgh, the area is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The addition of a premium leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is seen as a key component in establishing a vibrant and well-serviced community for new and existing residents.
The club is strategically positioned to serve the expanding population of Shawfair and the surrounding Midlothian area, providing a central hub for health, fitness, and social activities.
Inside the New State-of-the-Art Facility
The new David Lloyd Club is designed to offer a premium experience with a wide array of facilities catering to different fitness levels and preferences. The club's layout and amenities are based on the company's latest design concepts, focusing on a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.
Core Fitness and Training Areas
At the heart of the club is an expansive, state-of-the-art gym floor. It will feature the latest cardio and strength-training equipment from leading brands. Members will have access to a variety of machinery, free weights, and functional training zones designed to support diverse workout routines.
In addition to the main gym, the club will house several dedicated fitness studios. These will host a packed timetable of group exercise classes, including:
- BLAZE: A signature high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class combining cardio, strength, and combat elements in a boutique-style studio.
- Cyclone: An immersive group cycling experience with advanced bikes and a motivating audio-visual setup.
- Mind & Body Studio: A tranquil space for classes like yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
The variety of classes aims to provide options for everyone, from those seeking high-energy workouts to those focused on flexibility and mental wellness.
Facility by the Numbers
- Total Investment: £15.5 million
- New Jobs: 80
- Indoor Pool: 25 meters
- Outdoor Pool: 20 meters
- Tennis Courts: 3 indoor, 2 outdoor
- Group Classes: Over 100 classes per week planned
Beyond the Gym: Spa and Recreation
A significant part of the David Lloyd experience is the emphasis on relaxation and recovery. The Shawfair club will feature a luxurious spa area, designed as a sanctuary for members to unwind.
"We are not just building a gym; we are creating a destination for the whole family to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing," said a spokesperson for David Lloyd Leisure. "Our spa facilities are integral to that vision, providing a space for members to relax, recharge, and de-stress."
The spa, known as the Spa Retreat, will include a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, a steam room, and heated relaxation beds. This area is designed to provide a premium, adult-only environment for post-workout recovery or simple relaxation.
Swimming and Racquet Sports
The club will boast both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. A 25-meter indoor pool will be available for lane swimming and aqua-aerobics classes, while a 20-meter heated outdoor pool will allow for year-round swimming. A separate, shallower indoor pool will be designated for children's swimming lessons and family splash time.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the facility will include three indoor and two outdoor tennis courts. Professional coaching will be available for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. The club will also feature courts for Padel, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash.
A Family-Friendly Destination
David Lloyd Clubs are known for their family-oriented approach, and the Shawfair location will be no exception. The club will feature extensive facilities for children under the DL Kids program.
These facilities include a dedicated kids' club area, a soft play frame, and a planned schedule of supervised activities. The program is designed to keep younger members active and engaged while parents use the club's other amenities. Coaching in tennis and swimming will also be a core part of the children's offering.
The social hub of the club will be the Clubroom, a spacious café, bar, and restaurant. It will offer a menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks, serving as a place for members to socialize, work, or relax with family and friends. The Clubroom will also feature a dedicated family zone and an adults-only business area with complimentary Wi-Fi.
The combination of fitness, relaxation, and social spaces aims to establish the new David Lloyd Club as a central pillar of the new Shawfair community, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all ages.