David Lloyd Leisure has officially opened its newest health and wellness club in Shawfair, Midlothian, following a £15.5 million investment. The facility, which is the company's third in the Edinburgh area, provides a wide range of fitness, relaxation, and family-oriented amenities to the growing local community.
The club's opening marks a significant addition to the Shawfair development, a major urban expansion project situated between Edinburgh and Dalkeith. It is expected to serve as a central hub for residents, offering comprehensive health and social facilities.
Key Takeaways
- David Lloyd Leisure has launched a new £15.5 million club in Shawfair, Midlothian.
- The facility includes a 100-station gym, multiple swimming pools, a luxury spa, and tennis courts.
- The club is the 104th in the UK for David Lloyd and aims to serve the expanding Shawfair community.
- Family-focused features include dedicated kids' zones, swimming lessons, and a crèche.
A Major Investment in Community Wellness
The new David Lloyd Shawfair club represents a substantial investment in the region's leisure infrastructure. The £15.5 million project was developed to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding Shawfair community, which is planned to include 4,000 new homes.
According to company representatives, the club is designed to be more than just a gym. It aims to function as a community-focused destination where families and individuals can pursue fitness, relaxation, and social activities. The development created numerous jobs during its construction phase and will continue to provide employment for local residents now that it is operational.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
Located near the Shawfair railway station, the club is easily accessible to residents of Shawfair, Dalkeith, and surrounding areas of Midlothian. Its position within the master-planned town highlights the focus on integrating essential services and amenities early in the community's development.
The project was delivered in partnership with Shawfair LLP. Nick Waugh, a director at Shawfair LLP, commented on the opening.
"The opening of the David Lloyd Club is a major milestone for Shawfair. It delivers a fantastic facility for the growing community here and for the wider Midlothian area. Health and wellbeing are an important part of the vision for Shawfair, which is already a popular place for walking and cycling."
Inside the New Shawfair Facility
The David Lloyd Shawfair club offers a comprehensive array of modern facilities spread across a large, purpose-built site. The design emphasizes space, light, and high-quality equipment to provide a premium experience for its members.
Facility by the Numbers
- Investment: £15.5 Million
- Gym Stations: 100+
- Swimming Pools: 2 (25m indoor, 20m outdoor)
- Tennis Courts: 3 indoor, 3 outdoor
- Spa Facilities: 5 distinct zones
- UK Club Number: 104th
The centerpiece of the fitness offering is the state-of-the-art gymnasium, which features over 100 workout stations. This includes the latest cardio and strength training equipment, as well as dedicated functional fitness zones for more dynamic workouts.
Aquatics and Racquet Sports
Water-based fitness is a key component of the new club. Members have access to a 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a 20-meter heated outdoor pool, allowing for year-round swimming. The club also offers a variety of aqua aerobics classes and swimming lessons for all ages and abilities through its Swim Stars program.
For racquet sports enthusiasts, the facility includes three indoor and three outdoor tennis courts. These are complemented by professional coaching programs available for both adults and children, catering to everyone from beginners to experienced players. Padel tennis courts are also planned for a future phase of development.
Focus on Relaxation and Family Life
Beyond physical fitness, the Shawfair club places a strong emphasis on wellness and relaxation. The luxurious spa area is designed as a tranquil retreat for members to unwind and rejuvenate.
What is a BLAZE Studio?
BLAZE is one of David Lloyd's signature high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. Conducted in a dedicated studio with custom lighting and energetic music, the workout combines cardio, strength, and combat exercises for a challenging, full-body session. It is designed to push participants' limits and burn a high number of calories in a motivating group environment.
The spa facilities include:
- A hydrotherapy pool
- A traditional sauna
- A steam room
- Himalayan salt sauna
- An ice experience room
This combination of heat, cold, and water therapies is intended to promote muscle recovery, improve circulation, and reduce stress. The inclusion of these premium features positions the club as a comprehensive wellness destination.
Amenities for Children and Families
The club is structured to be family-friendly. It offers dedicated programs and spaces for children, including a crèche for younger kids and the DL Kids zone for older children. These areas provide supervised activities, allowing parents to use the gym or spa facilities with peace of mind. A soft-play area and a family-friendly café further enhance the club's appeal to members with children.
Stuart Caswell, the new General Manager at David Lloyd Shawfair, highlighted this aspect.
"Our new club is a fantastic place for families to spend quality time together, with a range of activities for all ages. We are excited to welcome the Shawfair community and provide them with a space to prioritize their health and wellbeing."
Impact on the Shawfair Community
The opening of the David Lloyd Club is seen as a key step in establishing Shawfair as a fully-fledged town with a complete range of amenities. As one of the largest urban expansion projects in Scotland, Shawfair is designed to be a self-sufficient community with schools, healthcare facilities, shops, and leisure options.
The club's presence is expected to not only serve existing residents but also attract new homebuyers to the area. Access to high-quality leisure facilities is often a significant factor for families and professionals when choosing a place to live. The club's opening signals confidence in the long-term growth and success of the Shawfair development.
With its modern facilities and community-centric approach, the David Lloyd Shawfair club is poised to become an integral part of life in this new and growing town, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for thousands of residents for years to come.