David Lloyd Clubs has officially opened its newest luxury health and wellness facility in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The sprawling 10,000-square-metre club introduces a wide range of premium fitness, spa, and racquet sports amenities to the growing community and is expected to create more than 80 local jobs.
Located just south-east of Edinburgh, the new site represents a significant addition to the area's leisure landscape. It is the company's third club in Scotland and its 103rd in the United Kingdom, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, multiple swimming pools, and one of the country's largest spa retreats.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Clubs has invested £15.5 million in a new 10,000 sq m facility in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The project will create over 80 full-time and part-time jobs for the local economy.
- Key features include a large Spa Garden, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and dedicated padel courts.
- The club is a major new amenity for the master-planned Shawfair community development.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The development of the Shawfair club marks a substantial financial commitment by David Lloyd Leisure. The £15.5 million project underscores the company's confidence in the region's demand for high-end health and wellness services. This new facility is designed to serve as a central hub for residents of the newly developed Shawfair town and surrounding areas.
A significant benefit for the local community is the creation of new employment opportunities. The club is set to employ more than 80 people in a variety of roles, ranging from fitness instructors and spa therapists to management and hospitality staff. This influx of jobs provides a welcome boost to the local economy as the Shawfair development continues to expand.
Part of the Shawfair Masterplan
The David Lloyd Club is an integral part of the Shawfair masterplan, a long-term project to build a new town on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The plan includes the construction of 4,000 homes, schools, and community facilities. The addition of a premium leisure destination like David Lloyd is intended to enhance the quality of life for new residents and establish Shawfair as a desirable place to live.
Inside the New Shawfair Facility
The Shawfair club offers a comprehensive array of amenities spread across its extensive grounds. The design focuses on providing a premium experience for individuals and families, with distinct zones for fitness, relaxation, and recreation.
State-of-the-Art Fitness and Studios
At the core of the facility is a large, modern gymnasium equipped with over 100 stations. Members have access to the latest fitness technology, including a variety of cardio machines, strength training equipment, and functional fitness areas. The gym is designed to cater to all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced athletes.
In addition to the main gym floor, the club features several dedicated group exercise studios:
- A High-Energy Studio: For fast-paced classes like HIIT and aerobics.
- A Boutique-Style Cycling Studio: Offering immersive indoor cycling experiences.
- A Mind and Body Studio: A tranquil space for yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes.
This multi-studio setup allows for a diverse timetable of classes, ensuring members can find activities that suit their personal fitness goals and preferences.
Aquatic and Spa Facilities
A major highlight of the Shawfair club is its extensive aquatic and spa offering. The facility includes both a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a 20-metre heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The indoor pool is ideal for lane swimming and lessons, while the outdoor pool provides a resort-style experience.
Scotland's Largest Spa Garden
The Shawfair location is home to one of Scotland's largest Spa Gardens, an outdoor wellness sanctuary. It features a large hydro pool, a sauna, a steam room, and relaxation zones with loungers, providing a comprehensive thermal spa journey for members seeking relaxation and recovery.
The indoor spa facilities complement the outdoor garden, offering additional saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas. This focus on wellness is a key differentiator for the David Lloyd brand, blending fitness with restorative therapies.
"Our aim was to create a destination that offers the very best in health and wellness for all ages," a company spokesperson stated. "The Spa Garden, in particular, is something we are incredibly proud of, providing a true escape for our members."
Racquet Sports and Family Amenities
Staying true to its heritage in racquet sports, the club offers excellent facilities for tennis and badminton players. However, a key addition is the inclusion of padel courts. Padel, a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, is a major draw for the new club.
The club is also designed to be family-friendly. It includes dedicated DL Kids facilities, offering activities and coaching for younger members. A large Clubroom serves as a social space, providing food and drinks in a relaxed environment, while a dedicated business lounge offers a quiet space for members to work remotely.
Impact on the Shawfair Community
The opening of the David Lloyd Club is seen as a milestone for the Shawfair development. It provides a high-quality amenity that not only serves residents but also attracts people from the wider Midlothian area. The presence of such a well-known brand can increase property values and add to the prestige of the new town.
For residents, the club offers a convenient, all-in-one solution for fitness, recreation, and socialising. The comprehensive facilities mean families can spend a whole day at the club, participating in different activities without needing to travel to multiple venues.
The investment by David Lloyd Leisure is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Shawfair. As the community continues to grow, amenities like this will be crucial in building a vibrant and sustainable new town for thousands of families.
