David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its new £11.5 million luxury health and wellness facility in Shawfair, Midlothian. The expansive club, which is the company's fourth location in Scotland, brings a wide range of premium fitness, spa, and racquet sports amenities to the growing community just outside Edinburgh.
The development has created approximately 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the area. It serves as a significant new feature for the master-planned Shawfair town, offering extensive facilities for families, professionals, and wellness enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has invested £11.5 million in a new luxury facility in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The new club is the fourth in Scotland and the first in the Lothians region.
- Approximately 80 new jobs have been created for the local community.
- The facility includes extensive fitness areas, indoor and outdoor pools, a large spa garden, and multiple racquet courts, including for Padel.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The Shawfair club represents a significant investment by David Lloyd Leisure, one of Europe's leading health and leisure groups. The 9,800-square-metre facility is designed to cater to a diverse membership, from individuals focused on high-intensity training to families seeking a range of recreational activities.
Located within the new Shawfair town development, the club is strategically positioned to serve residents of Midlothian and south Edinburgh. Its opening marks a milestone for the community, which is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces.
Jack Phillips, the General Manager of the new club, commented on the launch. "Our new Shawfair club is a fantastic addition to the local area, creating a premium destination for families to spend quality time together," he stated.
"We are thrilled to be finally open and to welcome our first members. The club is designed to offer something for everyone, and we are confident it will become a central part of the Shawfair community."
Extensive Fitness and Training Facilities
At the core of the new club is a state-of-the-art gymnasium spanning a large, open-plan space. The gym is equipped with over 100 stations, featuring the latest fitness technology from leading brands. Members have access to a variety of cardio machines, resistance training equipment, and a dedicated free weights area.
Specialized Group Exercise Studios
In addition to the main gym, the club features three specialized group exercise studios, each designed for a different type of workout experience. These studios host a weekly schedule of more than 100 classes.
The studio offerings include:
- Blaze Studio: A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout that combines cardiovascular training, strength work, and combat sports in a purpose-built studio with dynamic lighting and sound.
- Mind & Body Studio: A serene space dedicated to holistic classes such as yoga, Pilates, and meditation, designed to promote mental and physical balance.
- High Energy Studio: A dynamic environment for fast-paced, energetic classes that aim to improve cardiovascular fitness and overall strength.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £11.5 Million
- Size: 9,800 square metres
- New Jobs: ~80
- Gym Stations: 100+
- Weekly Classes: 100+
- Swimming Pools: 2 (one indoor, one outdoor)
Premium Spa and Relaxation Areas
A major highlight of the David Lloyd Shawfair club is its extensive spa and wellness area, branded as the Spa Retreat. This section is designed to provide a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, separate from the main fitness areas.
The indoor spa facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish saunas, salt steam rooms, and a cooling ice cave. Experience showers with different temperature and pressure settings are also available for a complete thermal therapy circuit.
The Outdoor Spa Garden
The club also boasts an expansive outdoor spa garden. This landscaped area allows members to relax in a natural setting and includes an outdoor sauna, a large hydro pool, and comfortable relaxation beds. The design emphasizes a connection with the outdoors as part of the wellness experience.
According to the company, the Spa Retreat is intended to provide a five-star experience that rivals dedicated spa resorts, making it a key attraction for members seeking comprehensive well-being solutions.
The Growth of Wellness Tourism
The inclusion of such comprehensive spa facilities reflects a broader trend in the leisure industry. The global wellness tourism market is growing rapidly as consumers increasingly prioritize mental and physical health. Facilities that combine fitness with high-end relaxation and recovery services are becoming more common to meet this demand.
Racquet Sports and Family Amenities
Staying true to its heritage, the David Lloyd club in Shawfair offers excellent racquet sports facilities. The club includes both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, allowing for year-round play. Professional coaching is available for all ages and skill levels.
A notable addition is the inclusion of Padel courts. Padel is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Its rising popularity across Europe makes its inclusion a forward-thinking move to attract new players.
Dedicated Family and Children's Areas
The club is designed to be family-friendly. A dedicated 'Clubroom' provides a social hub with a restaurant and an adults-only business area for remote working. For younger members, there is a family zone and a soft-play area.
David Lloyd Clubs also runs its signature DL Kids programme, which offers a schedule of supervised activities for children. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are engaged in age-appropriate sports and creative sessions.
Impact on the Shawfair Community
The opening of the David Lloyd club is a significant development for the Shawfair master plan, which aims to create a self-sufficient and vibrant new town. The facility provides not only leisure amenities but also employment and a social hub that can help build community cohesion.
As one of the first major commercial enterprises to open in the area, it sets a high standard for future development. The club is expected to attract new residents to Shawfair and enhance the quality of life for those already living there.
The long-term vision for Shawfair includes further commercial and retail spaces, community woodlands, and cycle paths, all connected by a new railway station. The David Lloyd club is an integral part of establishing Shawfair as a desirable place to live and work.
