David Lloyd Clubs has started construction on a new £11.5 million luxury health, spa, and racquet club in Shawfair, Midlothian. The facility, scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs and will be a central feature of the growing Shawfair community located just south of Edinburgh.
Key Takeaways
- Project: A new £11.5 million David Lloyd Club is under construction in Shawfair, Scotland.
- Opening Date: The facility is scheduled to open its doors in summer 2025.
- Job Creation: The new club is projected to create around 100 full-time and part-time jobs.
- Amenities: Features include indoor and outdoor pools, a luxury spa, tennis and padel courts, a state-of-the-art gym, and family facilities.
- Location: The club is a key component of the wider Shawfair development, which includes 4,000 new homes.
Construction Begins on New 100,000 Sq Ft Facility
Work has officially commenced on the expansive 100,000-square-foot club, marking a significant investment in the Midlothian region. The project represents a major addition to the local economy, not only through the initial construction phase but also with the creation of 100 permanent jobs upon its completion.
The new club is strategically located adjacent to the Shawfair railway station, providing convenient access for residents of the new development and surrounding areas. This accessibility is a key part of its integration into the community's infrastructure.
Project by the Numbers
- Investment: £11.5 million
- Size: 100,000 square feet
- New Jobs: Approximately 100
- Opening: Summer 2025
Extensive Health and Wellness Amenities Planned
The Shawfair David Lloyd Club is designed to offer a comprehensive range of health, wellness, and leisure facilities for individuals and families. The plans detail a blend of modern fitness equipment, relaxation spaces, and sports courts to cater to a variety of interests.
Spa and Swimming Facilities
A central feature of the new club will be its extensive spa and aquatic offerings. Members will have access to both indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, allowing for year-round use.
The spa area is set to include a variety of relaxation and recovery options. According to the plans, this will feature five distinct experience rooms, including a sauna, a steam room, and an ice cave. A hydrotherapy pool and heated relaxation beds will also be available. An outdoor spa garden with an additional sauna is planned to provide a unique wellness experience.
Fitness and Racquet Sports
For fitness enthusiasts, the club will house a state-of-the-art gym with modern equipment. A diverse schedule of over 100 weekly group exercise classes is planned, with offerings expected to include high-intensity interval training (HIIT), Pilates, and various yoga styles.
Racquet sports are another major focus. The facility will include both indoor and outdoor tennis courts, alongside courts for padel, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. This makes it one of the new premier racquet clubs in the region.
Family and Social Spaces
The club is also designed with families in mind. Dedicated DL Kids facilities will offer activities and programs for younger members. A central Clubroom with an adjoining outdoor terrace will serve as the social hub of the facility, providing a space for members to eat, work, and relax.
What is Padel?
Padel is a racquet sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court. It is known for being easy to learn and is one of the fastest-growing sports globally. The inclusion of padel courts reflects a modern approach to leisure and fitness offerings.
A Key Part of the Shawfair Masterplan
The new David Lloyd Club is a cornerstone of the much larger Shawfair development, a project managed by Shawfair LLP. This joint venture between Mactaggart & Mickel and Buccleuch Property is overseeing one of Scotland's most significant new town developments.
The masterplan for Shawfair includes the construction of 4,000 new homes, new schools, a community campus, and various business and retail spaces. The community is designed to be well-connected, with extensive networks of cycle and walking paths. The introduction of a high-end leisure facility is intended to enhance the quality of life for new and existing residents.
Company and Developer Perspectives
Leaders from both David Lloyd Clubs and Shawfair LLP have expressed enthusiasm for the project and its potential impact on the community.
Stéphane Ruttan, New Clubs Director for David Lloyd Clubs, commented on the expansion into the growing area.
"Shawfair is the perfect location for our second club in the Edinburgh area and we are delighted to be part of this exciting new community. We are confident that our first-class facilities will be a welcome addition for all the family, whatever their age," Ruttan stated.
The developer also highlighted the club's role as a major new amenity for the town. Nick Waugh, a director at Shawfair LLP, emphasized the club's contribution to the community's overall appeal.
"We are delighted to welcome David Lloyd Clubs to Shawfair. This is a game-changer in terms of the leisure and wellbeing offer for our community, which continues to go from strength to strength. The superb facilities will provide a host of health and social benefits for Shawfair residents and the wider Midlothian community," said Waugh.
The project is viewed by both parties as a synergistic partnership, with the club providing a valuable service to the new residential hub, and the growing population of Shawfair providing a ready-made member base for the club.
