David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its 103rd UK club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a significant £15.5 million investment. The new facility, located near Edinburgh, has created approximately 80 new jobs and offers a wide range of premium health, wellness, and leisure amenities to the local community.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has invested £15.5 million into its new Shawfair club, its first new build in Scotland in nearly a decade.
- The opening has generated around 80 full-time and part-time employment opportunities in the region.
- The facility includes a state-of-the-art gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and both tennis and padel courts.
- The club is designed to serve as a community hub for families, individuals, and remote workers.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new David Lloyd Club represents a substantial commitment to the growing Shawfair community, a newly developed town on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The £15.5 million project marks the company's first new club opening in Scotland for almost ten years, signaling confidence in the local market for premium wellness services.
Development of the site has resulted in the creation of 80 jobs, spanning roles from management and fitness instruction to hospitality and operations. This provides a notable boost to the local economy and offers career opportunities within the leisure sector.
Shawfair's Growing Community
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. Situated between Edinburgh and Dalkeith, the area is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces. The addition of a major leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is a key part of building the community's infrastructure.
According to the company, the club aims to provide a high-quality destination for health and wellbeing, catering to a diverse membership base. The development reflects a broader trend of consumers prioritizing physical and mental health, with increased demand for comprehensive wellness facilities.
Inside the New Shawfair Facility
The Shawfair club is equipped with a wide array of modern amenities designed to cater to various fitness and relaxation needs. The facility covers an extensive area, providing distinct zones for different activities.
State-of-the-Art Gym and Fitness Studios
The centerpiece of the club is its large, modern gymnasium. It features the latest equipment from leading brands, including a variety of cardio machines, strength training stations, and a dedicated free weights area. The layout is designed to provide ample space for members during peak hours.
In addition to the main gym floor, the club includes several specialized fitness studios. These host a busy schedule of over 100 weekly classes, including high-energy options like BLAZE, meditative practices like SPIRIT, and high-intensity cycling with IGN1TE and Rhythm.
Pool and Spa Retreat
A key attraction is the comprehensive aquatics area. Members have access to a 25-meter indoor swimming pool for lane swimming and lessons, alongside a shallower family pool. An outdoor heated pool allows for year-round swimming.
Key Facility Numbers
- Investment: £15.5 Million
- Jobs Created: ~80
- Weekly Classes: 100+
- Indoor Pool: 25 meters
- Tennis Courts: 3
- Padel Courts: 2
Adjacent to the pools is the luxury Spa Retreat. This area is designed for relaxation and recovery, featuring a large hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, a steam room, and heated relaxation beds. The spa provides a quiet, adult-only environment for members to unwind.
Racquet Sports and Family Areas
The club also caters to racquet sports enthusiasts with three indoor tennis courts and two outdoor padel courts. Padel, a fast-growing sport, is a strategic addition aimed at attracting new members. Professional coaching is available for all ages and skill levels in both sports.
For families, the club offers a dedicated DL Kids area with a full activity schedule. This allows parents to use the gym or attend classes while their children are supervised and engaged in age-appropriate activities. There is also an outdoor play area for children.
More Than Just a Gym
David Lloyd is positioning the Shawfair club not just as a place for exercise but as a central hub for the community. The design includes a spacious Clubroom with an indoor and outdoor terrace area, serving as a café, restaurant, and workspace.
"Our new Shawfair club is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional wellness experiences for the whole family," said a regional manager for David Lloyd Leisure. "We've designed this space to be a true community hub, where members can work, socialize, and focus on their health all under one roof."
This multi-purpose approach caters to modern lifestyles, particularly the rise of remote and flexible working. Members can use the Clubroom's business area for work, hold informal meetings, or relax with family and friends after a workout. This model aims to increase member engagement and position the club as an integral part of their daily routine.
David Lloyd's UK Expansion
The opening in Shawfair is part of David Lloyd Leisure's ongoing strategy of targeted expansion across the UK and Europe. The company focuses on identifying areas with growing populations and a demand for premium family-oriented leisure facilities. The Shawfair development, with its thousands of new homes, fits this model perfectly.
The company now operates 133 clubs in total, with 103 in the UK and 30 more across mainland Europe. The consistent investment in new sites and refurbishment of existing ones highlights the strength of the premium health club market.
The new club aims to integrate itself into the local fabric by offering a premium but accessible service for residents of Shawfair, Dalkeith, and the wider Midlothian area. Its success will likely serve as a model for future developments in similar suburban growth zones across the country.
