David Lloyd Leisure has announced a £15.5 million investment to build a new luxury health, spa, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The project is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs and will serve as a central amenity for the growing Shawfair community, with an anticipated opening in late 2024.
The state-of-the-art facility will span over 100,000 square feet and aims to provide comprehensive wellness and leisure services for families and individuals in the region. This development marks a significant expansion for the company in Scotland and is a key component of the broader Shawfair town masterplan.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure is investing £15.5 million in a new club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The new facility is expected to generate around 80 full-time and part-time jobs.
- The club will feature extensive fitness, spa, swimming, and racquets facilities.
- It is a cornerstone of the Shawfair masterplan, a major residential and commercial development south of Edinburgh.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The construction of the new David Lloyd Club represents one of the largest private investments in leisure facilities in the Midlothian area in recent years. The company has committed £15.5 million to the project, signaling strong confidence in the region's growth potential.
This new club is designed to be a premium destination for health and wellness. It will cater to the expanding population of Shawfair, a new town being developed on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The facility's location is strategic, placing it at the heart of a community planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces.
According to company representatives, the goal is to create a 'third place' for residents—a social and recreational hub outside of home and work. The development is poised to have a significant positive economic impact, starting with the construction phase and continuing with long-term employment opportunities.
What is Shawfair?
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town developments. Located just five miles southeast of Edinburgh's city centre, the masterplan aims to create a self-sufficient community. The project includes new housing, a town centre, schools, and public green spaces, all connected by strong transport links, including its own train station on the Borders Railway line.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Relaxation
The Shawfair David Lloyd Club is set to offer a wide array of amenities designed to cater to all ages and fitness levels. The plans detail a comprehensive offering that combines fitness, relaxation, and social spaces.
Core Fitness and Training Areas
The heart of the club will be its expansive gym, which will be equipped with the latest fitness technology. Members will have access to a variety of zones dedicated to different workout styles:
- Cardio equipment with integrated entertainment systems.
- A large free weights area with a comprehensive selection of dumbbells, barbells, and plates.
- Functional training zones with rigs, kettlebells, and other specialized equipment.
- Dedicated studios for group classes, including high-energy sessions like Blaze, cycling studios for SPIRIT classes, and mind-body studios for yoga and Pilates.
Personal training services will also be a key feature, providing members with customized fitness plans and expert guidance.
Focus on Racquet Sports
The new club will place a strong emphasis on racquet sports. It is planned to include three indoor Padel courts, reflecting the sport's rapidly growing popularity in the UK. In addition, there will be multiple indoor and outdoor tennis courts, offering year-round play and coaching programs for adults and children.
Swimming and Spa Facilities
A significant portion of the investment is dedicated to creating premium aquatic and spa facilities. The club will feature both a 25-metre indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and lessons, as well as a heated 20-metre outdoor pool for year-round leisure use.
The adjoining luxury spa area, known as the Spa Retreat, is designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. It will include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas with different heat and humidity levels
- A crystal steam room
- An ice fountain and experience showers
- Heated relaxation beds
These facilities are intended to provide a complete wellness experience, allowing members to de-stress and recover after workouts or simply enjoy a tranquil escape.
Economic and Community Impact
The arrival of the David Lloyd Club is seen as a major boost for the local economy and a valuable addition to the Shawfair community's infrastructure. The creation of approximately 80 new jobs will provide employment opportunities across various roles, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and maintenance.
"We are thrilled to bring a David Lloyd Club to the vibrant and growing community of Shawfair. This £15.5 million investment underscores our commitment to providing best-in-class health and wellness facilities that families can enjoy together. It will not only create jobs but also provide a fantastic new amenity for local residents for years to come."
Local officials have welcomed the development as a key milestone in the Shawfair masterplan. The club is expected to attract new residents to the area and support the vision of Shawfair as a well-serviced, desirable place to live.
The facility will also offer extensive programs for children, including swimming and tennis lessons through the David Lloyd 'Kids Club'. This family-friendly focus is designed to integrate the club into the daily life of the community.
Part of a Broader Expansion Strategy
This new development is part of David Lloyd Leisure's ongoing strategy to expand its footprint across the UK and Europe. The company currently operates over 130 clubs, with 101 in the UK. The Shawfair location will be its seventh club in Scotland, joining existing sites in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
The company's model focuses on large, multi-faceted clubs that offer a premium experience. By investing in high-quality facilities and a broad range of services, David Lloyd aims to differentiate itself from budget gym chains and boutique fitness studios.
The choice of Shawfair highlights a trend of leisure operators targeting large-scale, planned communities where built-in demand can be easily identified. As these new towns develop, anchor amenities like health clubs become crucial for establishing a sense of place and providing essential services for the new population.
Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the club projected to open its doors to members in late 2024. Pre-membership sales are expected to launch closer to the opening date.
