12 October 2026
Midlothian Council Invests Across Leisure Portfolio With Technogym
Midlothian Council has completed the refurbishment of three MiLeisure fitness facilities as part of a long-term community leisure strategy for the region’s growing population.
Midlothian may be one of Scotland's smallest local authority areas, but it is one of its fastest growing. Significant population growth over the past decade has increased demand for modern community leisure facilities, prompting Midlothian Council to review its strategy.
In partnership with Technogym, the council has created modern, competitive training environments at Penicuik, Lasswade, and Newtongrange. Danny Burnett, Operations Manager at Midlothian Council, explains how the investment has created a blueprint for developments across the county.
Operating under the MiLeisure brand, the council manages seven indoor leisure facilities and one outdoor venue. Following a detailed review of its estate, three sites were identified as priorities for investment.
“We knew we needed to invest in our gym facilities, and this project was an opportunity to focus on customer experience,” said Danny. “We were keen to offer our members the latest technology best-in-class equipment, and give ourselves a competitive edge.”
In partnership with Technogym, the council has created modern, competitive training environments at Penicuik, Lasswade, and Newtongrange. Danny Burnett, Operations Manager at Midlothian Council, explains how the investment has created a blueprint for developments across the county.
Operating under the MiLeisure brand, the council manages seven indoor leisure facilities and one outdoor venue. Following a detailed review of its estate, three sites were identified as priorities for investment.
“We knew we needed to invest in our gym facilities, and this project was an opportunity to focus on customer experience,” said Danny. “We were keen to offer our members the latest technology best-in-class equipment, and give ourselves a competitive edge.”
Partnering With Technogym
Benchmarking against neighbouring operators revealed an opportunity to differentiate the facilities by introducing a globally recognised premium brand that wasn’t widely available in the local area.
After a comprehensive procurement process, Technogym were chosen as partners for the three sites. The decision was shaped by Technogym’s reputation, proven equipment quality, collaborative approach.
“Technogym were involved from day one with discussions, designs, ideas, and planning,” says Danny. “They helped us create distinct identity for each site, with different training zones that add flexibility and give members an exceptional training experience.”
After a comprehensive procurement process, Technogym were chosen as partners for the three sites. The decision was shaped by Technogym’s reputation, proven equipment quality, collaborative approach.
“Technogym were involved from day one with discussions, designs, ideas, and planning,” says Danny. “They helped us create distinct identity for each site, with different training zones that add flexibility and give members an exceptional training experience.”
Creating Distinct Destinations
MiLeisure partnered with Technogym to develop facilities that reflect different user needs, training styles, and experiences. Each facility was designed with its own identity, giving members choice and allowing MiLeisure to compete with larger local gyms by making smart use of space.
Penicuik was designed with a strength and conditioning focus and a stronger presence of functional training and wellness. Lasswade became a heavier strength environment featuring Pure Strength plate-loaded equipment, free weights, and dedicated lower-body training areas. Newtongrange became a welcoming wellbeing hub, with an accessible layout and intuitive Excite+ cardio equipment.
Working with Technogym from the early planning stages, the team introduced clearly defined training zones supported by lighting, technology, and equipment layouts that create flexibility throughout each gym.
Penicuik was designed with a strength and conditioning focus and a stronger presence of functional training and wellness. Lasswade became a heavier strength environment featuring Pure Strength plate-loaded equipment, free weights, and dedicated lower-body training areas. Newtongrange became a welcoming wellbeing hub, with an accessible layout and intuitive Excite+ cardio equipment.
Working with Technogym from the early planning stages, the team introduced clearly defined training zones supported by lighting, technology, and equipment layouts that create flexibility throughout each gym.
Technology Supporting Members
Technology plays a central role in the new member experience. Each refurbished site now includes Technogym Checkup, making advanced wellness technology available in Midlothian’s community setting for the first time. By analysing wellbeing data and using AI-powered training recommendations, Technogym Checkup gives members the choice to work independently or with a Personal Trainer.
“Technogym Checkup has become a brilliant starting point for the member journey,” says Danny. “It’s accessible and easy to use, and means we have an exciting USP that differentiates our sites.”
The investment also installed Technogym Visio across all three gyms, giving members access to a wide range of guided workouts and digital content. Together with the Technogym App, the ecosystem allows users to engage with technology at their level, whether they are teenagers joining a gym for the first time or older adults returning to exercise.
“Technogym Checkup has become a brilliant starting point for the member journey,” says Danny. “It’s accessible and easy to use, and means we have an exciting USP that differentiates our sites.”
The investment also installed Technogym Visio across all three gyms, giving members access to a wide range of guided workouts and digital content. Together with the Technogym App, the ecosystem allows users to engage with technology at their level, whether they are teenagers joining a gym for the first time or older adults returning to exercise.
Building Future Confidence
Member feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and growth has exceeded expectations, by adding more than 1,300 new members.
The success has also transformed conversations around future funding. What was initially viewed as a significant investment now shows measurable evidence of the benefits for communities and local government. As Midlothian continues to grow, the council plans to refurbish one leisure facility per year.
By combining innovative equipment, connected technology, and carefully designed community spaces, MiLeisure has created a foundation for the next generation of leisure facilities across the county.
The success has also transformed conversations around future funding. What was initially viewed as a significant investment now shows measurable evidence of the benefits for communities and local government. As Midlothian continues to grow, the council plans to refurbish one leisure facility per year.
By combining innovative equipment, connected technology, and carefully designed community spaces, MiLeisure has created a foundation for the next generation of leisure facilities across the county.
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