David Lloyd Clubs has announced a significant £11.5 million investment to build a new luxury health, spa, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The new facility, slated to open in late 2024, is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs in the local community.
This development marks the company's first new club opening in the UK since 2022 and represents a major expansion of its presence in Scotland, adding to its existing locations in Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs is investing £11.5 million in a new luxury facility in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The project will generate around 80 permanent jobs for the local economy.
- The club is scheduled to open in late 2024 and will feature extensive fitness, spa, and racquet facilities.
- This is the first new club opening for the company in the UK since its Bicester location in 2022.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The planned David Lloyd Shawfair club represents a substantial commitment to the growing community in Midlothian. The £11.5 million project underscores the company's strategy to expand its premium wellness offerings to new areas with significant residential development.
Construction is set to begin on the site, located next to the Shawfair Park and Ride, with a projected completion date in the latter half of 2024. The club aims to provide a comprehensive health and wellness destination for families and individuals in the region.
According to company announcements, the development will not only provide state-of-the-art facilities but also contribute to the local economy. The creation of 80 new full-time and part-time positions will offer employment opportunities across various roles, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and maintenance.
The Growing Shawfair Community
Shawfair is a major, long-term development project located southeast of Edinburgh. It is one of the largest urban expansion projects in Scotland, planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, community facilities, and commercial spaces. The addition of a premium leisure club like David Lloyd aligns with the vision of creating a fully-serviced, modern community.
Inside the New Shawfair Club
The new facility is designed to meet the high standards of the David Lloyd brand, offering a wide array of amenities for members. The club will span a significant area, providing both indoor and outdoor spaces for fitness and relaxation.
Fitness and Exercise Facilities
The heart of the club will be a large, modern gymnasium equipped with over 100 stations. This will include the latest fitness technology, from cardio machines to strength training equipment. In addition to the main gym floor, the club will feature several dedicated group exercise studios:
- A High Energy Studio for fast-paced classes like HIIT and aerobics.
- A Mind & Body Studio designed for yoga, Pilates, and other wellness-focused practices.
- A Boutique Studio offering specialized classes such as Blaze, a signature David Lloyd high-intensity workout.
Swimming and Spa Amenities
A key attraction of the new club will be its extensive aquatic and relaxation facilities. Members will have access to both a heated 20-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming.
Focus on Wellness
The spa facilities at the Shawfair club will be a central feature, including a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and heated beds. This emphasis on relaxation and recovery is a core component of the David Lloyd membership experience, catering to a holistic approach to health.
The luxurious spa area is designed as a tranquil retreat for members to unwind. This 'Spa Garden' concept combines indoor heat experiences with an outdoor hydro pool, providing a comprehensive wellness journey.
Racquet Sports and Family Offerings
Staying true to its heritage, David Lloyd Shawfair will feature excellent racquet sports facilities. The club will include Padel courts, which have seen a surge in popularity across the UK. Padel is a fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, making it accessible and social.
The club is also designed to be family-friendly. It will feature dedicated DL Kids facilities and coaching programs for children, allowing families to enjoy the club together. A Clubroom and café bar will provide a social hub for members to eat, work, and relax.
"Shawfair is the perfect location for our latest club, and we are excited to be part of this growing and thriving community," stated a company representative. "Our new club will offer members a premium destination to prioritize their health and wellness, whether that's in the gym, the pool, or in our stunning spa."
Strategic Expansion and Market Position
The opening of the Shawfair club is a strategic move for David Lloyd Leisure. It marks the company's first new build in the UK since the launch of its Bicester club in Oxfordshire in 2022. This expansion reflects confidence in the market for premium health and fitness services, even amid changing economic conditions.
With 103 clubs in the UK and a further 30 across mainland Europe, David Lloyd Clubs is the largest health, spa, and racquets group in the region. The addition of the Shawfair location strengthens its portfolio in Scotland, providing a fourth site for its growing membership base north of the border.
The company's focus on providing a comprehensive, family-oriented experience with a luxury feel has allowed it to maintain a strong position in the competitive leisure market. The investment in Shawfair signals a continued commitment to growth and to meeting the evolving demands of consumers for high-quality wellness environments.
