David Lloyd Leisure Group has announced a significant £15.5 million investment to build a new health, spa, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The project is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs and provide a comprehensive wellness facility for the growing community located on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure is investing £15.5 million in a new facility in Shawfair, Scotland.
- The development is projected to generate around 80 new full-time and part-time jobs in the area.
- The club will offer a wide range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art gym, swimming pools, a luxury spa, and extensive racquet sports facilities.
- This new location is part of David Lloyd's ongoing UK expansion strategy, targeting areas with significant community growth.
Details of the New Shawfair Facility
The new David Lloyd Club will be situated within the newly developed town of Shawfair, a major residential and commercial project. The facility is designed to cater to families, individuals, and corporate members with a wide array of premium amenities.
Construction on the site is set to begin following planning approval, with an anticipated opening in late 2025. The club will occupy a substantial footprint, allowing for both indoor and outdoor activities year-round.
Shawfair Community Context
Shawfair is one of Southeast Scotland's most significant urban expansion projects. The master-planned community is expected to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces upon completion. The inclusion of a major leisure facility like David Lloyd is a key part of developing the town's social infrastructure.
Comprehensive Fitness and Wellness Amenities
The Shawfair club will feature the high-end facilities that are characteristic of the David Lloyd brand. The core of the club will be a large, modern gymnasium equipped with the latest fitness technology, including dedicated zones for cardio, strength training, and functional fitness.
Members will have access to multiple group exercise studios. These will host a variety of classes, from yoga and Pilates to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. The club will also feature David Lloyd's signature BLAZE studio, which combines cardio, strength, and combat training in a boutique-style environment.
Extensive Spa and Swimming Facilities
A significant portion of the investment is dedicated to creating a premium spa and aquatic environment. The club will include both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, allowing for year-round swimming and relaxation.
The Spa Retreat will offer a tranquil space for members to unwind. Key features will include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas and steam rooms
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden
These facilities are designed to provide a comprehensive wellness experience that goes beyond traditional gym offerings, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.
David Lloyd Leisure Group at a Glance
Founded in 1982, David Lloyd Leisure is the UK's largest health and fitness group by revenue. The company operates over 130 clubs across the UK and Europe, serving more than 730,000 members. The group's strategy focuses on premium, family-oriented clubs with a strong emphasis on racquet sports and comprehensive wellness services.
Racquet Sports and Family-Focused Services
Staying true to its heritage, the Shawfair location will have a strong focus on racquet sports. The plans include several indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as courts for badminton and the increasingly popular sport of padel tennis. Professional coaching will be available for members of all ages and skill levels.
The club is also being designed with families in mind. A dedicated DL Kids facility will provide a range of activities and coaching for children, allowing parents to use the club's facilities. A soft-play area and outdoor playground are also included in the plans.
Social and Business Integration
Beyond fitness, the club aims to be a social hub for the community. A spacious Clubroom, featuring a restaurant, café, and bar, will offer indoor and outdoor terrace seating. This area is intended for post-workout meals, socializing, and family dining.
For those who work remotely, the club will include a dedicated business lounge. This space will provide members with a quiet area to work, equipped with workstations, charging points, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
Economic Impact and Strategic Expansion
The £15.5 million investment represents a significant boost to the local economy of Midlothian. The creation of approximately 80 jobs will provide a range of employment opportunities, from fitness professionals and spa therapists to hospitality and administrative staff.
"Our clubs serve as a place for families and individuals to prioritize their health and well-being," a spokesperson for David Lloyd often states in expansion announcements. "We are excited to bring our unique brand of premium fitness and leisure to the growing community of Shawfair, providing a first-class facility and becoming an integral part of the local area."
The choice of Shawfair aligns with David Lloyd's strategy of establishing clubs in areas with strong residential growth and a demand for premium leisure services. The new town's development provides a ready-made market for the club's offerings.
This project is one of several new clubs David Lloyd has planned or recently opened in the UK, signaling the company's confidence in the health and wellness sector despite broader economic challenges. The expansion reflects a growing consumer trend towards prioritizing health, wellness, and community-based activities.
