David Lloyd Leisure Group has officially opened its newest facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The new club, the company's 104th in the United Kingdom, has created approximately 80 new jobs and is the first major leisure facility to serve the growing Shawfair community.
The expansive 9,500-square-metre site offers a wide range of health, wellness, and fitness amenities, including advanced gym equipment, multiple swimming pools, and extensive spa facilities. This opening marks a significant addition to the local infrastructure of the developing Shawfair town.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £15.5 million in a new club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility has generated around 80 new full-time and part-time employment opportunities.
- The club is the 104th in the UK and features extensive fitness, swimming, and spa amenities.
- It is the first major leisure facility in the new town of Shawfair, supporting community development.
Investment and Economic Impact
The development of the Shawfair David Lloyd Club represents a significant capital investment of £15.5 million in the Midlothian region. This project has directly contributed to the local economy through the creation of approximately 80 new jobs across various departments, including fitness, hospitality, and operations.
These roles provide both full-time and part-time employment, offering opportunities for local residents. The establishment of the club is expected to have a positive ripple effect, attracting more visitors and potential residents to the area and supporting other local businesses.
Shawfair Community Development
The David Lloyd Club is a cornerstone of the broader Shawfair development project. Shawfair is a newly planned town situated between Edinburgh and Dalkeith, designed to include thousands of new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The club's opening provides essential leisure infrastructure for the new and growing population.
As the first large-scale leisure provider in the new town, the club is positioned to become a central hub for community activity, health, and wellness. This aligns with the overall vision of creating a self-sufficient and vibrant community at Shawfair.
Comprehensive Fitness and Wellness Facilities
The new club spans 9,500 square metres and is designed to cater to a wide range of fitness and wellness needs. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities to provide a premium experience for its members.
Gym and Exercise Studios
At the heart of the club is a 1,000-square-metre gymnasium. It features advanced fitness equipment from leading brands such as Technogym and Eleiko. The layout is designed to accommodate various workout styles, from strength training to cardiovascular exercise.
In addition to the main gym floor, there are three dedicated group exercise studios:
- Mind & Body Studio: For classes like yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- High Energy Studio: For dynamic, fast-paced workouts.
- Cycle Hub: A dedicated studio for indoor cycling classes.
Facility at a Glance
- Total Size: 9,500 square metres
- Gym Area: 1,000 square metres
- Indoor Pool: 25 metres
- Outdoor Pool: 20 metres
- New Jobs: Approximately 80
Aquatics, Spa, and Relaxation Areas
A major feature of the Shawfair location is its extensive swimming and spa facilities, designed for both exercise and relaxation. The club includes both indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, allowing for year-round use.
The 25-metre indoor pool is suitable for lane swimming and lessons, while the 20-metre outdoor pool provides a space for leisure and family activities. The spa area offers a comprehensive wellness experience, separate from the main fitness areas.
The Spa Retreat
The club's Spa Retreat is a significant component of its wellness offering. It includes a variety of heat and water-based therapies aimed at promoting relaxation and recovery. Features of the spa include:
- A Himalayan salt sauna
- A crystal steam room
- Hydrotherapy pools
- A peppermint ice cave
- Heated relaxation beds
Additionally, the facility boasts a dedicated Spa Garden. This outdoor space includes its own sauna, providing a unique wellness experience that connects with the natural surroundings.
Racket Sports and Family Amenities
The Shawfair club also places a strong emphasis on racket sports, reflecting current trends in fitness. The facility includes several indoor tennis courts, providing a high-quality environment for players of all levels.
Notably, the club has also invested in Padel courts. Padel is recognized as one of the fastest-growing racket sports globally, and its inclusion caters to a growing demand for new and social forms of exercise.
"We are thrilled to be opening our 104th David Lloyd Club in the fantastic community of Shawfair. Our new club is the perfect destination for the whole family to come together and focus on their health and wellness," stated Stuart Bell, the General Manager of the new club.
For families, the club offers dedicated DL Kids facilities, providing activities and programs for younger members. A spacious Clubroom serves as a social and dining area, allowing members to work, relax, and socialize after their workouts.
The combination of diverse fitness options, premium spa facilities, and family-oriented amenities positions the new David Lloyd Club as a comprehensive lifestyle destination for the Shawfair community and the wider Midlothian area.