Alliance Leisure is celebrating a successful evening at the 2026 ukactive Awards after receiving a Highly Commended accolade in the Design & Build Award category for Clay Cross Active, while also being recognised as a finalist in both the Leadership Team of the Year and Workplace & Culture Initiative awards.
The recognition reflects the breadth of Alliance Leisure’s contribution to the sector, from delivering transformational community facilities and supporting local authorities through major investment programmes, to creating a workplace culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development.
Clay Cross Active, delivered in partnership with North East Derbyshire District Council, was highly commended for its innovative approach to combining leisure, health, wellbeing and community services within a single destination. Since opening, the £26.3 million facility has generated significant increases in participation, membership and engagement, while providing new pathways into physical activity through co-located health and support services.
While Alliance Leisure did not take home the overall award, the team was proud to see the project recognised alongside some of the sector’s most innovative developments.
The evening also brought success through Alliance Leisure’s Insight & Engagement Team, which supported Durham County Council’s winning marketing campaign. The campaign was recognised nationally for its effectiveness in engaging local communities and driving participation, demonstrating the value of strong partnerships, audience insight and creative delivery.
Alliance Leisure would like to congratulate all category winners and finalists, acknowledging the high standard of innovation being delivered across the physical activity, leisure and wellbeing sector.
The awards evening reinforces Alliance Leisure’s ongoing commitment to helping create healthier communities through outstanding project delivery, meaningful stakeholder engagement and investment in its people, while continuing to support local authorities in transforming the places and services that matter most to their communities.
Sarah Watts, CEO of Alliance Leisure, said:
We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised across three award categories and to receive a Highly Commended award for Clay Cross Active. The ukactive Awards showcase the very best of our sector, and we’d like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists. The standard of entries was exceptional and it’s inspiring to see the innovation, passion and commitment being demonstrated across the industry.
Being recognised in areas spanning project delivery, leadership and workplace culture reflects the collective effort of our entire team and the fantastic clients, operators and partners we work with every day.
Commenting on the marketing campaign award, Jazz Holverson, Strategic Account Manager at Alliance Leisure, said:
Seeing Durham County Council recognised on a national stage was a real highlight of the evening. We were privileged to support the team in developing and delivering a campaign that genuinely connected with local communities and encouraged more people to engage with the opportunities available to them. Awards like this are never about one organisation alone. They’re the result of strong collaboration, shared ambition and a willingness to try something different. We’re absolutely delighted for Durham and everyone involved, and it’s fantastic to see their hard work receive the recognition it deserves.
