David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest luxury health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a significant £15.5 million investment. The new facility, which is the company's third in the Edinburgh area, is expected to create approximately 80 new jobs and provide a state-of-the-art destination for fitness, relaxation, and family activities.
Located within the growing Shawfair community, the club aims to serve as a central hub for residents in Midlothian and East Lothian. The development features a wide range of premium amenities, including advanced gym equipment, swimming pools, spa facilities, and dedicated spaces for children, positioning it as a comprehensive wellness destination.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has launched a new £15.5 million health club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility is the 104th David Lloyd Club in the United Kingdom and the 134th globally.
- Approximately 80 full-time and part-time jobs have been created for the local community.
- Key features include a 100-station gym, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and extensive family facilities.
A New Hub for Wellness in Shawfair
The Shawfair club marks a significant expansion for David Lloyd Leisure in Scotland. The facility is strategically positioned to support the newly developed town of Shawfair, which is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and community spaces. This opening reflects a growing demand for premium health and wellness services outside of major city centers.
According to the company, the club is designed to cater to all ages and fitness levels. It combines high-end fitness technology with resort-style relaxation areas, aiming to provide a complete lifestyle experience for its members. The development covers an extensive area, offering both indoor and outdoor activities year-round.
The Growing Shawfair Community
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town developments. Situated just south-east of Edinburgh, it is designed to be a self-sufficient community with a focus on sustainability and quality of life. The addition of the David Lloyd Club is a major milestone in establishing the town's social and recreational infrastructure.
Stacey Parnell, the General Manager of the new club, expressed enthusiasm for the opening. She highlighted the goal of creating a welcoming environment where families and individuals can focus on their physical and mental well-being. The club's design and programming are centered around this community-focused approach.
Inside the State-of-the-Art Facility
The £15.5 million investment is evident in the quality and variety of the amenities available at the Shawfair location. The club is equipped with modern infrastructure and technology to deliver a premium member experience.
Advanced Fitness and Training Areas
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is a 100-station gym featuring the latest equipment from leading brands. This includes a wide array of cardio machines, resistance training equipment, and a large free-weights area. The gym is designed with an open-plan layout to create a spacious and motivating environment.
For specialized training, the club includes several dedicated zones:
- BLAZE Studio: A boutique-style studio for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes, combining cardio, strength, and combat elements.
- Rhythm Studio: A dedicated space for high-energy indoor cycling classes with advanced lighting and sound systems.
- Mind & Body Studio: A tranquil area for yoga, Pilates, and other holistic wellness classes.
These specialized studios allow for a diverse class schedule, catering to different fitness preferences and goals. Members have access to both group classes and personalized training sessions with certified fitness professionals.
Swimming and Spa Facilities
A key attraction of the David Lloyd Shawfair club is its extensive aquatic and relaxation facilities. The club features both a 20-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming regardless of the weather.
Focus on Family Wellness
The club includes dedicated swimming lanes for adults and specific times for family swim sessions. It also offers the David Lloyd Swim Stars program, providing swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities, underscoring the brand's commitment to family-oriented services.
Adjacent to the pools is the luxury spa, designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa area includes:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- A Finnish sauna
- A steam room
- Heated relaxation beds
- An outdoor spa garden with a sauna
This comprehensive spa offering provides a resort-like experience, allowing members to de-stress and recover after workouts or simply enjoy a quiet retreat.
Commitment to Family and Community
David Lloyd Clubs have built a reputation for being family-friendly, and the Shawfair location is no exception. The facility includes extensive programming and dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, making it an attractive destination for families in the region.
The DL Kids area is designed for children aged 3 to 11 and offers a schedule of supervised activities, including arts and crafts, sports, and imaginative play. This allows parents to use the gym or spa facilities while their children are engaged in a safe and fun environment.
"Our goal is to be more than just a gym; we want to be a community where families can spend quality time together while pursuing a healthy lifestyle," stated General Manager Stacey Parnell. "The facilities we've built here are designed to offer something for every member of the family."
For older children and teenagers, the club provides specific programs and access to facilities that encourage an active lifestyle. This integrated approach ensures that the club serves the needs of the entire family unit.
Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The opening of the David Lloyd Club in Shawfair represents a significant boost to the local economy. The creation of approximately 80 new jobs across various roles—from fitness coaching and hospitality to management and maintenance—provides valuable employment opportunities in the Midlothian area.
This development is part of David Lloyd Leisure's broader strategy of expanding its footprint in key suburban and developing areas across the UK. The company identifies locations with growing populations and a demand for high-quality leisure facilities.
David Lloyd Leisure's UK Presence
With the opening of the Shawfair club, David Lloyd Leisure now operates 104 clubs in the UK and a total of 134 across Europe. The company has continued to invest in new sites and refurbish existing ones, cementing its position as a leader in the premium health and fitness sector.
As the Shawfair community continues to grow, the club is expected to become an integral part of the local landscape. Its presence is likely to attract more residents to the area and support the development's vision of creating a vibrant and well-serviced town.
The long-term success of the club will depend on its ability to build a strong member community and consistently deliver the high standards of service and facilities that the David Lloyd brand is known for.
