David Lloyd Leisure has expanded its UK presence with the opening of a new £15 million health and wellness club in Shawfair, located near Edinburgh. The facility, which officially opened its doors to members, is expected to create approximately 75 new jobs in the local community.
The new club represents a significant investment in the growing Shawfair area and is part of the company's broader strategy to enhance its high-end leisure offerings across the country. It features a wide range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities designed to cater to the local market.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has opened a new club in Shawfair, near Edinburgh, following a £15 million investment.
- The new facility has created around 75 full-time and part-time jobs in the region.
- Amenities include a 100-station gym, multiple swimming pools, tennis and Padel courts, and extensive spa facilities.
- The opening is part of David Lloyd's ongoing expansion and reflects growing consumer demand for premium wellness services.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The development of the Shawfair club is one of David Lloyd Leisure's most significant recent projects in Scotland. The £15 million investment underscores the company's confidence in the economic vitality of the Edinburgh city region and the new Shawfair community, which is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town developments.
Construction on the site began approximately 18 months ago, transforming a previously undeveloped plot into a comprehensive leisure destination. According to a company statement, the project was designed to meet high standards of sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient systems for heating, lighting, and water management.
This new facility joins the company's portfolio of over 130 clubs across the UK and Europe, reinforcing its position as a leading operator in the premium health and fitness sector. The Shawfair location was chosen strategically to serve the rapidly expanding residential population between Edinburgh and Midlothian.
The Growing Shawfair Community
Shawfair is a major urban expansion project on the southeastern edge of Edinburgh. Planned over 30 years, it is expected to deliver 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The addition of a major leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is a key milestone in developing the area's social infrastructure and making it a self-sufficient community.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Amenities
The new David Lloyd Shawfair club offers a comprehensive range of facilities tailored to individuals and families. The centerpiece is a large, modern gymnasium equipped with over 100 stations featuring the latest fitness technology from leading brands.
Members have access to a variety of exercise options, including:
- Group Exercise Studios: Three dedicated studios host over 130 classes per week, ranging from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cycling to yoga and Pilates.
- Swimming Pools: The club includes a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and a shallower indoor family pool. An outdoor heated pool is also available, allowing for year-round use.
- Racquet Sports: The facility boasts three indoor tennis courts and, tapping into a growing trend, two outdoor Padel courts. Padel is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash.
- Spa and Relaxation: A significant portion of the club is dedicated to wellness. The state-of-the-art spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and heated relaxation beds.
The club is also designed to be family-friendly, with a dedicated DL Kids facility offering activities for children and a soft-play area. This allows parents to use the gym or spa while their children are supervised.
"Our goal with the Shawfair club was to create a premium destination for the entire family to focus on their health and wellbeing," said Sarah Campbell, the new General Manager for David Lloyd Shawfair. "We have seen tremendous interest from the local community, and we are excited to become an integral part of this vibrant, growing area."
Economic Impact and Local Employment
The opening of the Shawfair club has provided a notable boost to the local economy. The creation of 75 new jobs covers a wide range of roles, from fitness instructors and spa therapists to administrative staff and hospitality workers in the club's restaurant and cafe, known as the Clubroom.
The company focused on local recruitment, aiming to hire staff from Shawfair and the surrounding Midlothian and Edinburgh communities. This approach helps ensure the club is well-integrated into the local fabric and provides valuable employment opportunities.
The UK Health and Fitness Market
According to recent industry reports, the UK's private health and fitness club market is valued at over £3 billion. The sector has shown strong recovery post-pandemic, with a growing consumer emphasis on holistic wellness, which includes mental and physical health. Premium clubs like David Lloyd are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Beyond direct employment, the club is expected to have a positive indirect economic impact. By attracting members and visitors to the area, it can support other local businesses. The construction phase also provided work for numerous local contractors and suppliers.
Future Outlook for David Lloyd Leisure
The Shawfair opening is a key part of David Lloyd Leisure's strategic growth plan. The company has continued to invest heavily in both new sites and the refurbishment of existing clubs to maintain its premium market position. This strategy appears to be paying off, as demand for high-quality, family-oriented health clubs remains strong.
Consumer trends show a clear shift towards experiences that combine fitness, relaxation, and social elements. Facilities like the Shawfair club, with its integrated gym, spa, pools, and social Clubroom, are designed to meet this evolving demand. The inclusion of modern amenities like Padel courts also demonstrates the company's ability to adapt to new fitness trends.
As communities like Shawfair continue to develop across the UK, there will likely be further opportunities for leisure operators to invest. The success of this new club will be closely watched as a model for future developments in similar suburban growth areas.
