David Lloyd Clubs, a prominent health, sport, and leisure group in Europe, has announced a significant expansion plan involving the development of new facilities across the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. The initiative includes multi-million-pound investments aimed at enhancing its portfolio and increasing its membership base, with new sites planned for Scotland and Spain.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs is launching a major expansion with new clubs in the UK and Spain.
- A new £13 million club is under construction in Shawfair, Scotland, set to open in 2025.
- The Shawfair facility will create approximately 80 local jobs upon opening.
- International growth includes a new club near Madrid, Spain, and ongoing development in other European markets.
- The expansion focuses on premium family-friendly facilities, including spas, pools, and extensive racquets courts.
Strategic Growth in Key Markets
David Lloyd Clubs is actively pursuing a strategy of targeted growth, focusing on regions with strong demand for premium wellness and leisure services. The company's latest plans underscore a commitment to both its domestic UK market and its growing presence in continental Europe. This expansion follows a period of sustained performance and reflects confidence in the long-term health of the fitness and leisure sector.
The selection of new sites is based on detailed market analysis, identifying communities that can support the company's large-format, family-oriented club model. According to company statements, the goal is to introduce state-of-the-art facilities that cater to a wide range of age groups and fitness interests.
Focus on Scotland with Shawfair Development
A central piece of the UK expansion is the new club in Shawfair, a developing town south-east of Edinburgh. Construction is underway on the £13 million project, which marks the company's first new club in Scotland in nearly two decades. This investment highlights the strategic importance of the Scottish market for the group.
The Shawfair club is expected to open its doors in early 2025. The development is anticipated to have a positive economic impact on the local area, starting with the construction phase and continuing with long-term employment opportunities once the club is operational.
Shawfair Club by the Numbers
- Investment: £13 million
- Size: 9,500 square meters
- Jobs Created: Approximately 80
- Planned Opening: Early 2025
Enhanced Facilities and Member Experience
The new clubs are designed to offer a comprehensive range of premium amenities, reinforcing the brand's reputation for high-quality, family-friendly environments. The facilities are planned to go beyond a standard gym, incorporating wellness, sport, and social spaces.
At the Shawfair location, members will have access to a 100-station gym, multiple fitness studios for classes like Blaze and Rhythm, and extensive swimming facilities. These include a 25-meter indoor pool, a 20-meter outdoor pool, and a dedicated indoor swimming pool for children.
Emphasis on Wellness and Racquet Sports
A significant component of the new clubs is the focus on wellness and relaxation. The plans include luxurious spa facilities, often referred to as 'Spa Retreats'. These areas typically feature hydro pools, saunas, steam rooms, and treatment rooms, providing a dedicated space for members to unwind.
Racquet sports, a cornerstone of the David Lloyd brand, will also be a major feature. The Shawfair club will house three Padel courts, four tennis courts, and courts for badminton and squash. The inclusion of Padel, a rapidly growing sport, demonstrates the company's effort to stay current with fitness trends.
"Our new Shawfair club is a testament to our ongoing commitment to investing in our estate and providing the very best health, sport, and wellness facilities for our members," stated Russell Barnes, CEO of David Lloyd Clubs.
International Expansion and Future Outlook
Alongside its UK developments, David Lloyd Clubs is pushing forward with its European expansion. The company has a strong presence in several countries, including Spain, Italy, France, and Germany, and continues to seek new opportunities for growth.
A new club is currently being developed in the Torrelodones area of Madrid, Spain. This project strengthens the company's foothold in the Spanish market, where it already operates several successful clubs. The international strategy focuses on bringing the David Lloyd model to affluent suburban areas in major European cities.
David Lloyd Clubs Global Footprint
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Clubs has grown to become one of Europe's largest racquets, health, and fitness operators. As of 2024, the group operates 133 clubs, with 103 in the UK and 30 located across mainland Europe. The company serves approximately 750,000 members and employs around 8,000 people.
Job Creation and Community Impact
The expansion is set to create a significant number of jobs. The Shawfair club alone will generate around 80 full-time and part-time positions, ranging from management and fitness coaching to hospitality and operations. The company has already begun its recruitment drive for key roles, including the General Manager position.
The new facilities are also intended to become community hubs. With amenities like a Clubroom café bar, a business lounge, and an indoor soft-play area for children, the clubs are designed to be social destinations as much as fitness centers. This approach helps integrate the clubs into the local community and fosters a loyal membership base.
Looking ahead, David Lloyd Clubs plans to continue identifying and developing new sites. The company's leadership has expressed a clear ambition to maintain its market-leading position by continually upgrading its existing portfolio and expanding into new, promising locations.
