David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health, wellness, and racquets club in Shawfair, Midlothian, representing a significant £15.5 million investment in the local area. The new facility, which created 80 new jobs, provides a wide range of premium fitness and leisure amenities for families and individuals.
The Shawfair club is the company's 103rd location in the United Kingdom and its fourth in Scotland. It aims to become a central hub for the growing Shawfair community, offering extensive facilities designed to cater to all ages and fitness levels.
Key Takeaways
- A new David Lloyd Club has opened in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment.
- The facility has created 80 permanent full-time and part-time jobs in the local community.
- Features include a 100-station gym, multiple swimming pools, tennis courts, and a luxury spa area.
- The club is the fourth David Lloyd location in Scotland and the 103rd in the UK.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The development of the Shawfair David Lloyd Club marks one of the most substantial private investments in local leisure infrastructure in recent years. The £15.5 million project underscores the company's confidence in the economic growth of the Midlothian region and the expanding Shawfair new town development.
Construction began over 18 months ago, transforming a large plot of land into a state-of-the-art wellness destination. The project's completion is a milestone for the Shawfair community, which is planned to include 4,000 new homes, schools, and commercial spaces over the next decade.
"We are thrilled to bring our world-class facilities to the Shawfair community," said Jack Phillips, the new General Manager of the club. "Our goal is to provide a premium destination where families can spend quality time together, focusing on their health and wellbeing. This club represents a major commitment to the area, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive local response."
Economic and Employment Impact
The opening has provided a significant boost to the local economy. The creation of 80 new jobs covers a range of roles, including fitness coaches, spa therapists, food and beverage staff, and operations management. According to the company, recruitment focused on hiring from the local Midlothian and Edinburgh City areas.
These positions offer both full-time and part-time opportunities, contributing to stable employment in the region. The club is expected to attract members from across Midlothian and south Edinburgh, further driving economic activity.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £15.5 million
- Jobs Created: 80
- Gym Stations: 100+
- Indoor Pool: 25 metres
- Outdoor Pool: 20 metres
- Tennis Courts: 3 indoor, 3 outdoor
- Group Exercise Studios: 4
Inside the New Shawfair Club
The Shawfair facility is designed to offer a comprehensive wellness experience. It integrates fitness, relaxation, and social spaces under one roof, catering to a diverse membership base.
Advanced Fitness and Training Zones
At the core of the club is a spacious 100-station gymnasium. This area is equipped with the latest technology from leading fitness brands, including advanced cardio machines with interactive screens, a wide array of resistance training equipment, and a dedicated free weights section.
For those who prefer guided workouts, the club features four specialized group exercise studios. These include:
- A High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) studio for classes like BLAZE.
- A cycling studio for immersive rhythm and performance-based classes.
- A Mind & Body studio for yoga, Pilates, and meditation.
- A general-purpose studio for a variety of other group fitness classes.
The club will offer over 100 weekly classes, all accessible to members through a dedicated mobile app for easy booking.
What is the BLAZE Program?
BLAZE is one of David Lloyd Clubs' signature HIIT workouts. The class combines cardiovascular training, strength work, and combat-inspired exercises in a dedicated studio with dynamic lighting and upbeat music. Participants wear heart rate monitors to track their effort in real-time, aiming to stay in specific heart rate zones for maximum results.
Aquatic and Racquet Sports Facilities
A key attraction of the new club is its extensive aquatic facilities. Members have access to both a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a 20-metre heated outdoor pool. The outdoor area is complemented by a sun terrace and lounge seating, designed to be a social hub during warmer months.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the Shawfair location boasts three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts with floodlighting, allowing for year-round play. The club also offers professional coaching programs for adults and children, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced competitor. In addition, there are facilities for other racquet sports like badminton and pickleball.
Luxury Spa and Family-Oriented Spaces
Beyond physical fitness, the club places a strong emphasis on relaxation and recovery. The integrated luxury spa, known as the Spa Retreat, is a significant feature of the new development.
The Spa Retreat Experience
The Spa Retreat offers a tranquil environment for adult members to unwind. It includes a variety of hydrotherapy experiences such as:
- A large hydrotherapy pool
- Multiple saunas and steam rooms
- An ice fountain and feature showers
- Heated relaxation beds
This spa area is designed to provide a complete thermal journey, promoting muscle recovery, stress reduction, and overall mental wellbeing. It is positioned as a premium offering that sets the club apart from standard gyms.
Facilities for Younger Members and Families
David Lloyd Clubs are known for their family-friendly approach, and the Shawfair location is no exception. The club includes a dedicated DL Kids area, offering a range of supervised activities, classes, and holiday clubs for children aged 3 to 11.
There is also a soft-play area for younger children and specific family swim times in the indoor pool. The goal is to provide a safe and engaging environment for children while parents use the club's other facilities.
The social heart of the club is the Clubroom, a large café, bar, and restaurant space with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio. It serves a full menu throughout the day and provides a workspace for members with complimentary Wi-Fi, making it a versatile social and professional hub.
"We've designed this club to be more than just a gym. It's a community destination," added Phillips. "Whether you're here for an intense workout, a game of tennis, a relaxing spa day, or a family meal, there is something for everyone. We look forward to becoming an integral part of life in Shawfair."
The opening of the David Lloyd Club is a significant development for the Shawfair area, promising to enhance the quality of life for residents and create new economic opportunities. With its extensive range of premium facilities, the club is set to become a landmark destination for health and wellness in Midlothian.