Nicholson Institute.

This project at the Nicholson Institute complements the work we’ve done to rejuvenate the markets and extensively redevelop and modernise our health and wellbeing centre, MyActive Leek. Together, they ensure Leek can rival towns across the UK for its heritage, leisure and retail offer – something our residents and businesses and visitors to our area will benefit from for many, many years to come.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst

Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism

Background
Site specifications
Sustainability

The £3.8m transformation of Leek’s historic Nicholson Institute represents the third Levelling Up funded project we have delivered for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, as part of its ambitious regeneration of Leek town centre.

Located in the Leek Town Centre Conservation Area, the Grade II* Listed Nicholson Institute was built in 1884. The building is an important cultural and community asset and houses the town’s library and museum.

The works have revitalised the historic building, enhancing its functionality and sustainability while preserving its distinctive heritage features.

The scheme included essential repairs to the building, roof improvements, refurbished art rooms with a new fully accessible WC on the lower ground floor. The library has been refreshed with new flooring and finishes, while the museum has been redesigned to provide a more accessible, welcoming and engaging environment for visitors.

The project has improved the building’s energy efficiency, with measures including new LED lighting and upgraded radiator controls to help reduce energy consumption and deliver long-term carbon savings.

Client: Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Partners: UK Leisure Framework (managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd), Speller Metcalfe, Roberts Limbrick, Abacus

Project Value: £3.8m

Opened: October 2026

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Historic buildings like the Nicholson Institute are at the heart of their communities, but they also present unique challenges when adapting them for modern use. Our role is to protect what makes these places special while ensuring that they remain relevant for future generations. We’ve taken a much-loved historic building and created a modern, accessible and more sustainable space.

Together with the transformation of the town’s Victorian indoor market and the redevelopment of Brough Leisure Centre, these projects will play a key role in the regeneration of Leek.

Gareth Liversedge

Delivery Manager, Alliance Leisure

The Nicholson Institute is another fantastic transformation to have worked on alongside Alliance Leisure for the benefit of Leek town centre. Preserving and revitalising the Nicholson Institute ensures its history can continue to be enjoyed for years to come. The project represents another significant investment in Leek town centre and a valuable asset for the local community.

Rob Lashford

Divisional Director, Speller Metcalfe

Gallery.

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