David Lloyd Clubs has officially launched its newest luxury health and wellness facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, following an £11.5 million investment. The new club, which is the company's first in the UK in a decade, has created 80 new full-time and part-time jobs for the local community.
Situated on the edge of Edinburgh, the Shawfair club is the 103rd location for the group in the UK and its fourth in Scotland. The facility is designed to offer a premium experience for families and individuals, featuring extensive fitness, spa, and racquet sports amenities.
Key Takeaways
- Major Investment: The new facility represents an £11.5 million investment in the Scottish leisure market.
- Job Creation: The club's opening has generated 80 new employment opportunities in the Midlothian area.
- Significant Milestone: This is David Lloyd Clubs' first new build in the United Kingdom in the last ten years.
- Premium Facilities: The site includes a state-of-the-art gym, boutique fitness studios, indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa garden, and Padel tennis courts.
A Landmark Development for Shawfair
The new David Lloyd Club is a central component of the Shawfair masterplan, one of Scotland's most significant new town developments. The project is a collaboration between Shawfair LLP, Midlothian Council, and The City of Edinburgh Council, aiming to build a well-serviced community.
The 10,000-square-meter club is strategically located to serve residents of the growing Shawfair community and the wider Midlothian and East Lothian areas. Its opening marks a key step in establishing Shawfair as a desirable place to live, work, and relax.
"The opening of this club is a real milestone for us, as it is our first new build club in the UK for 10 years and our fourth here in Scotland," said Glenn Earlam, CEO of David Lloyd Clubs. "We are excited to be part of the new Shawfair development, a growing community which will benefit from having a health, wellness and racquets club on its doorstep."
The development underscores a growing demand for high-quality leisure and wellness facilities that cater to the entire family. By anchoring itself in a major residential project, David Lloyd aims to become an integral part of the local social fabric.
Inside the New Luxury Facility
The Shawfair club offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to meet modern fitness and relaxation needs. The facility is structured to provide distinct zones for different activities, from high-intensity workouts to tranquil spa experiences.
Advanced Fitness and Group Exercise
At the core of the club is a 100-plus station gym featuring the latest fitness equipment. This area is complemented by a suite of boutique-style group exercise studios, each offering a specialized workout experience.
- Blaze: A high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class that combines cardio, strength training, and combat sports in a purpose-built studio.
- IGN1TE: A mixed martial arts-inspired workout that challenges participants with dynamic movements and high-energy routines.
- Cyclone: An immersive group cycling studio that uses advanced bike technology and dynamic visuals to enhance the workout.
- Rhythm: A choreographed cycling class that combines music and movement for an engaging cardio session.
These specialized studios reflect a shift in the fitness industry towards more curated, experience-led group classes, moving beyond traditional gym floor workouts.
Focus on Family Wellness
Beyond individual fitness, the club has dedicated facilities for children. This includes DL Kids areas for various activities and coaching programs for swimming and tennis, reinforcing its position as a family-oriented destination.
Spa, Swimming, and Racquet Sports
A significant portion of the investment was dedicated to creating premium spa and swimming facilities. The club features both a 20-meter indoor swimming pool and a 25-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming.
Adjacent to the outdoor pool is the Spa Garden, a key attraction for members seeking relaxation and recovery. This area includes:
- A hydro pool
- An outdoor sauna
- A steam room
- Heated relaxation beds
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the Shawfair club boasts four championship-standard tennis courts. It has also embraced the rapidly growing sport of Padel with the inclusion of three dedicated Padel courts. Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash, has seen a surge in popularity across the UK and Europe.
What is Padel Tennis?
Padel is a racquet sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The glass walls are part of the game, as balls can be played off them. It is known for being easy to learn and highly social, contributing to its fast growth.
Economic Impact and Community Integration
The arrival of David Lloyd Clubs in Shawfair brings more than just leisure amenities; it delivers a tangible economic boost to the region. The creation of 80 jobs provides employment across various roles, including management, fitness instruction, hospitality, and maintenance.
According to Nick Waugh, director of Shawfair LLP, the club is a vital addition to the community's infrastructure.
"This is a key milestone for Shawfair and the wider Midlothian community. The opening of this first-class facility is a huge boost to the amenities for the growing number of people living here. It complements our plans for the new town centre and will be a fantastic asset for generations to come."
The club also includes a spacious Clubroom and café bar, which serves as a social hub for members. This space offers an indoor area for dining and socializing, as well as an outdoor patio for use in warmer months. It is also designed to function as a comfortable workspace, catering to the increasing number of professionals who work remotely.
The integration of work, social, and wellness spaces within a single facility reflects a modern approach to club design, where the venue serves multiple functions in a member's daily life. This model is expected to drive strong local engagement and establish the club as a cornerstone of the new Shawfair community.
