David Lloyd Clubs has announced a £15.5 million investment to build a new premium health, spa, and racquet club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and is scheduled to open in autumn 2026, with construction beginning in spring 2025.
The new facility will be the first David Lloyd Club in the Lothians outside of Edinburgh, marking a significant expansion for the company and a major addition to the amenities available to the growing Shawfair community.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: David Lloyd Clubs is investing £15.5 million in the new Shawfair facility.
- Job Creation: The project will generate around 70 full-time and part-time positions in the local area.
- Timeline: Construction is set to start in spring 2025, with an anticipated opening in autumn 2026.
- Location: The club will be a central feature of the new Shawfair town development in Midlothian, Scotland.
- Facilities: The club will offer a wide range of premium health, wellness, and leisure amenities for all ages.
A Strategic Expansion in a Growing Community
The decision to build in Shawfair places the new David Lloyd Club at the heart of one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. Shawfair is a master-planned community designed to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces, situated between the City of Edinburgh and rural Midlothian.
This location provides a ready-made market of new residents seeking high-quality leisure and wellness facilities. The club is intended to serve not only the immediate Shawfair area but also surrounding communities in Midlothian and East Lothian.
What is Shawfair?
Shawfair is a large-scale urban development project located southeast of Edinburgh. It is one of five designated strategic development areas in southeast Scotland. The plan includes the construction of thousands of homes, new schools, public parks, and a town centre with retail and commercial spaces, all connected by a new railway station on the Borders Railway line.
According to developers, the inclusion of a premium brand like David Lloyd is a key part of establishing Shawfair as a desirable place to live. It adds a significant amenity that supports the vision of a self-contained, modern community with comprehensive facilities.
Comprehensive Facilities for Health and Wellness
The planned £15.5 million facility will cover a substantial area, offering a wide array of amenities designed to cater to individuals and families. The investment underscores the premium nature of the club and its extensive offerings.
Key Features of the New Club:
- State-of-the-Art Gym: The club will feature a large, modern gym with the latest fitness equipment and dedicated zones for different types of training.
- Swimming Pools: Members will have access to both a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming.
- Racquet Sports: The facility will include Padel courts, a fast-growing sport, alongside championship-quality tennis courts with both indoor and outdoor options.
- Spa and Relaxation: A significant portion of the club will be dedicated to a luxury spa, featuring a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool.
- Family-Oriented Services: A dedicated kids' club and activity program will be available, catering to the family demographic of the Shawfair development.
In addition to fitness and wellness, the club is designed to be a social hub. Plans include a clubroom with a restaurant and an indoor and outdoor terrace, providing a space for members to socialize and dine.
Focus on Business and Remote Work
The new club will also feature a dedicated business lounge area with workstations and Wi-Fi. This amenity targets the growing trend of remote and flexible working, offering members a space to work outside of their homes or traditional offices.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The development represents a significant economic boost for Midlothian. The creation of approximately 70 new jobs will provide employment opportunities across various roles, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and administration.
"This is a fantastic investment for Midlothian, which will not only provide a superb leisure facility but also bring much-needed jobs to the area. It is a real vote of confidence in Shawfair and the wider community."
The construction phase, set to begin in spring 2025, will also support jobs in the building and trade sectors. Once operational, the club is expected to contribute to the local economy through its supply chain and by attracting visitors from the surrounding region.
The investment aligns with the goals of local authorities to attract businesses that provide high-quality services and stable employment. The long-term presence of a David Lloyd Club is seen as an anchor for further commercial development in the Shawfair town centre.
The Broader Vision for Shawfair
The David Lloyd Club is one of the flagship commercial projects within the Shawfair master plan. It joins other planned amenities, including new primary schools, a secondary school campus, healthcare facilities, and retail outlets.
The development is managed by Shawfair LLP, a partnership between Mactaggart & Mickel and Buccleuch Property. Their stated goal is to create a vibrant and sustainable community. The addition of a high-end leisure facility is a crucial step in realizing this vision.
The club's location near the Shawfair railway station also enhances its accessibility. This allows residents and commuters to easily integrate a visit to the club into their daily routines, further cementing its role as a central community asset.
As construction begins next year, the project will be a visible sign of progress for the Shawfair development. For David Lloyd Clubs, it represents a confident step into a new market, banking on the growth and appeal of this modern Scottish town.