David Lloyd Leisure Group has announced plans to open a new £15 million luxury health, spa, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The development is expected to create over 80 new jobs and is scheduled to open its doors in late 2024, marking the company's fourth location in Scotland.
The facility will be a central part of the new Shawfair town, a major residential and commercial development south-east of Edinburgh. It aims to provide premium wellness and leisure amenities to the growing local community.
Key Takeaways
- A £15 million investment will fund a new David Lloyd Club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The project is set to create more than 80 full-time and part-time jobs in the area.
- The club will feature extensive facilities, including swimming pools, a large gym, a luxury spa, and courts for tennis, padel, and pickleball.
- Scheduled to open in late 2024, this will be the fourth David Lloyd location in Scotland.
A Significant Investment in a Growing Community
The new David Lloyd Club represents a major private investment in the Shawfair development. The £15 million project underscores the company's confidence in the area, which is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces over the next decade.
The creation of over 80 jobs will provide a significant boost to the local economy. These roles will span various departments, including fitness instruction, hospitality, facility management, and administration, offering a range of employment opportunities for residents in Midlothian and the surrounding areas.
What is Shawfair?
Shawfair is one of Scotland's most ambitious new town developments. Located just south-east of Edinburgh, the masterplan includes the construction of 4,000 homes, new schools, a town centre, and extensive community facilities. The development is designed to be well-connected, with its own railway station providing a 15-minute link to central Edinburgh.
Extensive Facilities for Fitness and Leisure
The Shawfair club is designed to offer a comprehensive range of health and wellness amenities. Covering a total area of approximately 100,000 square feet, the facility aims to cater to individuals and families with diverse interests.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Swimming
At the core of the club will be a large, modern gymnasium. It is planned to feature more than 100 stations equipped with the latest fitness technology, catering to various workout styles from cardio to strength training. The club will also offer a wide array of group exercise classes.
For swimmers, the facility will include both indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools. This allows for year-round swimming and relaxation, regardless of the weather. Dedicated kids' pools and swimming lesson programs are also part of the plan.
Facility Highlights at a Glance
- Gym: 100+ stations
- Pools: Indoor and outdoor heated options
- Tennis: 5 courts
- Padel: 4 courts
- Spa: Saunas, steam rooms, hydro pool
- Jobs Created: Over 80
A Focus on Racquet Sports
The new club will place a strong emphasis on racquet sports, reflecting their growing popularity. The plans include five championship-standard tennis courts, which will be available for coaching, social play, and competitions.
In addition, the facility will feature four Padel courts. Padel is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, and its inclusion highlights David Lloyd's strategy to incorporate modern sporting trends into its clubs. Pickleball courts will also be available, further broadening the racquet sport offerings.
Luxury Spa and Relaxation Areas
A key feature of the new development is its extensive spa area, designed as a sanctuary for relaxation and recovery. Members will have access to a range of heat therapy experiences, including multiple saunas and steam rooms.
The spa will also feature a large hydro pool, ice fountains, and heated beds. This focus on premium wellness amenities is a signature element of the David Lloyd brand, aiming to provide a holistic health experience beyond just physical fitness.
Designed for Families and Professionals
The Shawfair club is being developed with both families and working professionals in mind. The design includes a dedicated DL Kids facility, which will offer a variety of activities and coaching for younger members, allowing parents to use the club's other amenities.
For those looking to combine work and wellness, the club will feature a spacious Clubroom. This area will serve as a social hub with a restaurant and bar, as well as a dedicated business lounge offering a quiet space for remote working.
"Shawfair is a growing community, and we are thrilled to be a part of its development. Our goal is to create a premium destination for the whole family to focus on their health and wellness," a spokesperson for David Lloyd Leisure stated.
Strategic Expansion in Scotland
The opening of the Shawfair club marks another step in David Lloyd's expansion within Scotland. It will be the company's fourth club in the country, joining existing locations in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. The selection of Shawfair indicates a strategic focus on high-growth residential areas with strong community potential.
According to developers, the addition of a high-calibre leisure facility like the David Lloyd Club is expected to enhance the appeal of Shawfair for prospective homebuyers and businesses, contributing to the long-term vision of creating a vibrant and self-sufficient new town.
