David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest luxury health, spa, and fitness facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, located just outside Edinburgh. The new club represents a significant investment in the region's wellness infrastructure and is expected to create over 80 local jobs.
The state-of-the-art facility is the company's 104th club in the United Kingdom and its second location in the Edinburgh area, signaling strong demand for premium leisure and family-oriented wellness services.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has opened a new luxury facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, near Edinburgh.
- The project is a multi-million-pound investment aimed at serving the growing local community.
- The club features extensive fitness areas, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a luxury spa, and family-friendly zones.
- More than 80 new full-time and part-time jobs have been created, boosting the local economy.
- This opening marks David Lloyd's 104th club in the UK and its second in the Edinburgh region.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The development of the Shawfair club is part of David Lloyd's broader strategy to expand its footprint in key growth areas across the UK. The company has invested heavily to ensure the facility meets the high standards associated with its brand, providing a comprehensive wellness destination for individuals and families.
The club is strategically located to serve the new Shawfair town development and surrounding communities in Midlothian and south Edinburgh. This area has seen rapid residential growth, creating a need for high-quality local amenities.
"Our new Shawfair club is more than just a gym; it's a comprehensive destination for health, relaxation, and community," said Jack Phillips, the General Manager for the new location. "We have designed every aspect of this club to provide our members with an exceptional experience, whether they are focused on fitness, family time, or personal wellbeing."
The construction and launch phases have provided a significant boost to the local economy, employing local contractors and service providers. The creation of over 80 permanent jobs offers a range of opportunities, from fitness coaching and spa therapy to hospitality and facility management.
Extensive Facilities and Modern Amenities
The Shawfair club boasts a wide array of modern facilities designed to cater to diverse fitness and leisure preferences. The property spans a large footprint, allowing for spacious and well-equipped zones for various activities.
Club Features at a Glance
- Total Area: Over 9,500 square meters of indoor and outdoor space.
- Fitness Suite: A 1,000-square-meter gym with the latest Technogym equipment.
- Swimming Pools: A 25-meter indoor pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool.
- Racquet Sports: 3 indoor Padel courts, 3 indoor tennis courts and 4 outdoor courts.
- Spa Facilities: A luxury Spa Retreat with a hydrotherapy pool, saunas, steam rooms, and treatment areas.
The main gym floor is equipped with cutting-edge cardio machines, an extensive free weights area, and dedicated functional training zones. Members can access a variety of group exercise classes across several specialized studios, including a high-energy BLAZE studio, a serene SPIRIT studio for yoga and Pilates, and a high-intensity IGN1TE studio for HIIT workouts.
Focus on Family and Social Life
A core element of the David Lloyd model is its family-friendly environment. The Shawfair club includes dedicated spaces for children, such as the DL Kids club, which offers a schedule of supervised activities for various age groups. This allows parents to focus on their own workouts or relaxation while their children are engaged and entertained.
The club also features a spacious Clubroom, a social hub with an indoor and outdoor terrace. This area serves as a café, restaurant, and workspace, offering a full menu of healthy meals, snacks, and drinks. It is designed to be a comfortable environment for members to socialize, work remotely, or relax after a workout.
The Rise of Padel Tennis
The inclusion of three indoor Padel courts highlights the growing popularity of the sport in the UK. Padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash, is one of the world's fastest-growing sports. It is known for being easy to learn and highly social, making it an attractive offering for clubs looking to engage a wider demographic.
The Luxury Spa Retreat Experience
A standout feature of the new club is its expansive Spa Retreat, designed as a premium sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. This area is separate from the main fitness zones, providing a tranquil atmosphere for members to unwind.
The spa includes a range of hydro-thermal facilities:
- Hydrotherapy Pool: A large, warm pool with targeted water jets.
- Himalayan Salt Sauna: A sauna featuring illuminated salt brick walls, known for their respiratory benefits.
- Eucalyptus Steam Room: A high-humidity steam room infused with eucalyptus oils.
- Ice Cave: A cold therapy experience designed to boost circulation and recovery.
- Crystal Steam Room: A gentle steam experience with amethyst crystal elements.
In addition to the thermal experiences, the Spa Retreat offers heated relaxation beds, a private outdoor spa garden, and treatment rooms where members can book professional massages and beauty therapies. This emphasis on holistic wellness reflects a growing consumer trend toward prioritizing recovery and mental health alongside physical fitness.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The opening of the David Lloyd Shawfair club is seen as a positive development for the local community. It not only provides a world-class wellness facility but also acts as an anchor amenity for the new town, potentially increasing the appeal of the area for prospective homebuyers.
According to a statement from the company, sustainability was a key consideration during the club's design and construction. The building incorporates energy-efficient systems for heating, ventilation, and lighting, as well as water-saving measures for the pools and spa facilities.
"We are committed to being a valuable and responsible member of the Shawfair community," added Phillips. "Our goal is to create a welcoming space where people can invest in their health and build lasting social connections. We have been thrilled by the positive response so far and look forward to welcoming our first members."
The launch comes at a time when the health and wellness industry is experiencing strong growth. Post-pandemic, there is a heightened awareness of the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. David Lloyd's investment in premium, multi-faceted clubs like Shawfair positions the company to capitalize on this enduring trend.