Blog Archives

Alliance Leisure Elevates Sport Wales National Centre with Gym Refurbishments

Alliance Leisure Elevates Sport Wales National Centre with Gym Refurbishment

Alliance Leisure has completed the refurbishment of two gym spaces at Sport Wales National Centre to enhance the workout experience at the home of Welsh sport, with more Sport Wales-funded projects underway, including the country’s first interactive squash court.

Working with Orbit 4, which redesigned the cardio and free weights rooms, the £250,000 project at Sport Wales National Centre involved a complete overhaul of both spaces including the installation of new equipment, flooring and full redecoration throughout. The team worked with Sport Wales to ensure the layout of both spaces reflects the member journey and addresses the unique needs of their 800 members.

The creative team at Alliance Leisure’s marketing agency, TA6, also provided vibrant new graphics and branding for the space aligning to the Sport Wales brand.

This tailored and impactful project is already delivering benefits to members and is testament to the fact that enhancing member experiences doesn't always require investments running to millions of pounds. By actively listening to customers and gaining a deep understanding of their needs, you can optimise spaces to serve members better to retain them for longer.

Gillian Dunster

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

Alliance Leisure is working on a number of other Sport Wales-funded projects. Part of more than £3m worth of funding, the projects will improve community sports facilities and leisure centres across Wales in the next few months. They include new floodlighting for 3G and 2G pitches at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern. Completing in March, the installation will allow the pitches to be used by local schools and the public outside of daylight hours.

A new sports hall floor at Holyhead Leisure Centre will ensure continued safe use for classes, clubs, competitions as well as the wider community when it completes in April. Finally, a PRAMA studio is planned for Prestatyn Leisure Centre for Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. Expected to start on site this summer, the immersive circuit training programme combines music, lighting, interactive walls and flooring to offer more than 2,500 unique workouts. The new studio will form part of a wider scheme that also includes a clip ‘n climb facility and the first interactive squash court in Wales offering immersive projection graphics and exciting video game-style play to transform the game into a completely new sports experience.

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£12m Sports Hub opens in East London

The Bobby Moore Sports Hub Officially Opens to the Local Community

Alliance Leisure are thrilled to have been part of the development of this local community facility. The Bobby Moore Sports Hub, featuring pitches named after Sir Trevor Brooking, Paul Ince, and Chloe Kelly, has opened in Dagenham. Thanks to the largest ever grant from the Premier League, The FA, and Government’s Football Foundation, this state-of-the-art hub is now a reality.

Located in Parsloes Park, the Hub boasts 16 grass sports pitches and three 3G pitches. One of these 3G pitches is an impressive National League System stadia pitch with spectator seating, which is utilised by the local club May & Baker FC.

These multi-million-pound facilities have been made possible by a generous £6.2 million grant from the Football Foundation – the largest ever grant awarded by the charity. This investment builds upon the Foundation’s remarkable track record of providing over £1 billion in grant funding over the last 23 years to enhance grassroots facilities across the country.

In addition to the Football Foundation’s support, the project received an additional £6.1 million investment from Barking and Dagenham London Borough Council and the Mayor of London. The London Marathon Foundation also contributed £500,000 to this transformative initiative.

The Bobby Moore Sports Hub pays tribute to local football legends, including Paul Ince and Sir Trevor Brooking, both of whom have roots in the area. But it doesn’t stop there. The Hub also proudly hosts The Chloe Kelly Pitch, named after the 2022 UEFA Women’s EUROs-winning Lioness and Manchester City forward, Chloe Kelly. This pitch not only inspires local women and girls to lace up their boots but also serves as the venue for female-only tournaments and teams organized by local grassroots football clubs and schools.

This significant investment has revitalised one of the most underserved areas of London. The old single-story changing facilities have been replaced with a modern pavilion, complete with a gym, fitness studio, café, and social space. Now, the entire local community can benefit from these upgraded amenities.

The site’s grand opening was graced by West Ham United FC academy graduate and former player, Anton Ferdinand, along with current West Ham United women’s player, Hawa Cissoko.

This fantastic new Hub will not only provide a huge boost to community sport in the area but will also have a transformative impact on physical and mental wellbeing, bringing people together and strengthening the local community here in Dagenham. We hope this Hub will not only honour the legacy of several legendary local footballers, but also continue to inspire people of all identities, abilities and backgrounds to lace up their boots.
Thanks to the investment we receive from our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working to deliver more Hubs like this across the country so that everyone can have access to great places to play.

Robert Sullivan

Chief Executive, The Football Foundation

It's been a pleasure to work with the Football Foundation on our recent projects together. The Derby Football Hub was Alliance Leisure's 250th project and it was the partnership between all suppliers and stakeholders that made it happen. Grassroots sport plays such an important role in the lives of young people and when you see the hubs in-use it really brings home what an impact we can make.

Greg Walker

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

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An Active March for Alliance Leisure & TA6

As the weather brightens and spring approaches, the Alliance Leisure and TA6 teams are making the most of it by getting out and about to a variety of events this March. Browse the list below to see what we’re attending and do let us know if you’ll be there too!

UKREiiF Leaders Group – Tuesday 5^th March, London

Sarah Watts, CEO

Our CEO, Sarah Watts, will be attending the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) Leaders Group meeting on the 5^th of March, where the group will be joined by Kerry McCarthy, Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Labour Party as a guest speaker. With climate change and sustainability at the top of Alliance Leisure’s priorities, this is sure to be a valuable discussion, and we look forward to hearing Sarah’s insights upon her return.

Performance Marketing Unlocked – Tuesday 5^th-Wednesday 6^th March, London

The TA6 and Alliance Leisure Central Marketing teams are also heading to London on the 5^th of March to attend Performance Marketing Unlocked, where we will be hearing from industry experts on a range of highly relevant topics, including the use of AI and new ideas around eCommerce and client partnerships.

The Procurement Act Expo – Tuesday 12^th March, Birmingham

This important event surrounds the upcoming (October 2024) changes to public procurement due to the new Procurement Act and will serve as a useful means of education through a series of talks, debates, and training. Several of our team are attending; Paul Cluett, Managing Director, Jeremy Bradbury, Head of Business Support, and John Leaver, Marketing & Framework Director.

Why Sports Webinar – Wednesday 13^th March, Online

James Foley, Commercial Director of Alliance Leisure

If you’re not already signed up for the Enabling Change through Health and Well-being Webinar, chaired by our Commercial Director, James Foley, then what are you waiting for?!

James will be joined by leading names in the leisure industry for a thoughtful and insightful discussion around the huge transformative impact of enhanced leisure facilities upon local communities. Register your place here (if you haven’t done so already!).

District Councils Network Conference – Thursday 14^th-Friday 15^th March, St Albans

Our central marketing team are looking forward to meeting delegates at Alliance Leisure’s booth for this fascinating event. With preventative healthcare an item for discussion at the conference, we are eagerly anticipating some meaningful discussions around how leisure facilities can help to accomplish this.

PerformX Live – Thursday 21^st– Friday 22^nd March, London

Boasting a host of expert speakers (including our very own Sarah Watts, CEO!), several members of our TA6 team will be attending PerformX to hear from some of the biggest names in the leisure and fitness industries on a variety of fascinating subjects, including disruptive marketing, decoding the next wave of fitness, and more.

Active-net National – Wednesday 27^th-Thursday 28^th March, Nottingham

We always love active-net events, and the two-day national event is no exception. Featuring educational seminars and insightful discussions as well as valuable scheduled networking slots, Alliance Leisure attendees, Business Development Managers Greg Walker and Chris Ames, have an action-packed two days ahead of them!

Alliance Leisure Celebrates 25th Anniversary With The Completion of 250th Development Project in Derby

This month sees the public opening of the new build football hub within the grounds of Derby Racecourse, an event that puts a new marker in the sand for development partner, Alliance Leisure, as the company’s 250^th completed project since its launch 25 years ago.

The new £8.4 million building, designed and developed by Alliance Leisure on behalf of Derby City Council, includes a reception area, café, three multi-use rooms, a Changing Places toilet and additional washrooms. Outside, extra car parking spaces have been added to support an outdoor play area, outdoor gym, a basketball training court and general landscaping to enhance the overall aesthetics.

Creating a central hub for the dedicated football facility, the building linked to pre-existing changing facilities and will provide much needed community support for the 3 new, outdoor, full sized 3G turf pitches (FTPs), and a refurbished FTP developed through the Football Foundation pitch framework and will enable the hosting of hundreds of matches every weekend.

Procured through the UK Leisure Framework (managed by Denbighshire Leisure), this project was developed in partnership with Bradshaw, Gass and Hope, Universal Civils and Build, and Abacus Project Management.

This has been an incredible project. The community will now be able to enjoy playing and watching ‘the beautiful game’ year round. Built within the grounds of Derby Racecourse, we worked with some incredible partners on this project, delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, including architects Bradshaw, Gass and Hope, Universal Construction and Abacus Project Management to create a sports hub that will serve the community for many years to come.

Will Gardner

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

On Thursday 8th February and Friday 9th February, operator Leisure United opened the facility’s doors to the community, hosting facility tours, with refreshments provided in the Pavilion cafe. During the following weekend, the first football matches were hosted, marking the return of the Football Leagues.

This project has been an excellent example of successful partnership working. Alliance Leisure, working through the UK Leisure Framework, has brought expertise to this development at every level and stage of the project to deliver a fantastic facility that integrates superbly with the existing building and the pitch works completed by the Football Foundation. Thanks to everyones efforts the community in Derby now has a football facility that will support the activity needs of many generations.

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa

Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride, Derby City Council

Jointly funded by Derby City Council, The Premier League, The FA, and the Government’s Football Foundation, this project showcases the value collaborative working can bring to the community sports infrastructure. An official opening of the football hub is planned later in the year.

This development embodies all that we set out to achieve when we launched Alliance Leisure 25 years ago. It creates a safe, place-based active environment where communities can come together to enjoy all the benefits of being active. In partnership with local authorities across the UK, Alliance has optimised more than £370 million to ensure public sector leisure continues to meet the bespoke needs of the communities it serves.

Sarah Watts

CEO, Alliance Leisure

Having been involved in the delivery of this project from the very start, to now seen it realise its potential & its impact on the community has been a real pleasure. Delivering a build and facility of this quality & size shows the impact the UKLF can have for everyone. To now let the local residents enjoy all the hard work which has been put in by the management & delivery team is testament to the dedication we pride ourselves on in delivery.

Martin Davies

Director, Universal Civils & Build

This scheme is an excellent demonstration of positive collaboration and teamwork. From early inception the Alliance Leisure team and key stakeholders have all come together with the common goal of delivering a hub that will provide excellent facilities and also a community-based destination for local residents and the people of Derby.

Paul Jackson

Director, Abacus

Contact our team to discuss your next project

Alliance Leisure Makes New Appointments to Support Growth

Alliance Leisure has made a raft of new appointments across the business to support its continued growth. The new appointments come as the leisure development specialist celebrates 25 years of transforming leisure provision across the UK.

Jonny Curley has been promoted to the Development Board as Director for Scotland. With more than 25 years in the sector, Jonny joined Alliance Leisure as Business Development Manager in 2022. Since then, he has driven the company’s leisure projects across Scotland, several of which start on site this year.

I was privileged to become part of the Alliance team two years ago and progressing to the board is a great honour. Alliances outstanding culture, team and leadership has been crucial to the company's growth and I look forward to contributing to its continued progress in the years ahead.

Jonny Curley

Director for Scotland, Alliance Leisure

Alongside Jonny, Julia Goddard also becomes Regional Director after 22 years with the company having overseen 130 projects worth an investment value of £160m.

Stuart Thornton joins the company as Financial Director. A seasoned finance and commercial professional, Stuart has held a number of senior financial roles across a range of sectors most recently as Finance Director at the housebuilder Backhouse.

I’m thrilled to be joining Alliance, a company that deservedly has a very strong and positive reputation in the industry. With a great culture and a strong team who have a track record of delivering exceptional results for clients, I know I will be working with the best in the business. I look forward to supporting them in the exciting times ahead.

Stuart Thornton

Finance Director, Alliance Leisure

Jo Cameron also joins the team as Alliance Delivery Manager. The former Sales Team Manager at OneRen, the charitable trust providing leisure, culture and sporting opportunities in Renfrewshire, Jo has worked in both the private and public sectors. Based in Glasgow, she will support developments across Scotland in her new role.

And Steve Rose has been appointed as Alliance Delivery Manager serving the south east region. Steve, who has more than 15 years’ experience in and around the industry, has previously worked at Fusion Lifestyle, SIV and Sheffield City Council.

I’m delighted to welcome these new members to the team. With a strong pipeline of projects across the UK, it’s an exciting time for Alliance Leisure as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. It’s imperative we have the right skills and expertise to service our continued growth. These appointments will help support our clients and the future success of the business.

Paul Cluett

Managing Director, Alliance Leisure

Meet the rest of the team here

A warm welcome to Steve Rose

A warm welcome to Steve Rose as he joins our South East regional team

Steve Rose is joining Alliance Leisure following 15 years of experience in and around the leisure industry, having spent time at Fusion Lifestyle, SIV and Sheffield City Council. Steve’s professional experience and knowledge of the leisure industry will make him a valuable asset to the team.

Find out a little more about Steve as we ask him the questions that matter!

What’s your career highlight to date?

“Leading the proposal for Fusion Lifestyle to operate Cleveland Pools in Bath – the oldest operating lido in Western Europe. This was a real labour of love and such a unique site which was unlike anything I had ever work on before.”

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

“This would typically start with a small number of Friday evening Margaritas… Assuming that this was indeed just ‘a small number’, Saturday morning would entail a Yoga class to start the day. Following this I would head straight to a local brunch place. From there, I would either head to the Emirates to watch Arsenal, or I would put some comfortable shoes on and hit the pavement to explore a new area. The day would be topped off with an Indian – Dishoom being my favourite restaurant.”

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

“I am a former Yorkshire and North Eastern District swimming champion, specializing in Butterfly. I was due to take part in trials for Team GB in the 2004 Olympics, but got struck down with Shingles at the time of the trials so could not compete.”

Have you ever met anyone famous?

“I met Mick Jagger on a stairwell, just outside the gents, in a bar in Hackney.”

Favourite sport/team?

“Raised as a Sheffield Wednesday fan, but current living situation means I have a strong soft spot for Arsenal.”

Where the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

“I have spent a lot of time in India, and frequented the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for Afternoon Tea in Mumbai on my last visit, which is one of the most opulent hotels in the world, and is extravagance personified.”

Where are you based and have you always lived there?

“I was born and bred in Barnsley and am a proud Yorkshireman. I have, however, been based in North London for the last decade, and love the buzz of city life.”

Have you got a bucket list, and can you share something from it?

“One thing that I have always wanted to do is to learn how to ride a motorbike. It just seems to be one of those things that I never get chance to do, and the weather never seems consistently nice enough.”

Meet the whole team here…

Meet the Team

Scottish team expands with appointment of Jo Cameron

We are delighted to introduce another new face this month – Jo Cameron, our new Delivery Manager for Scotland.

Jo is joining us from OneRen, where she held a variety of roles, most recently Sales Team Manager. She has experience in both private and public sectors.

A proud Glaswegian, Jo has lived in and around Glasgow all her life and will be supporting Jonny Curley with developments across Scotland.

Get to know Jo in this introductory Q&A!

What initially attracted you to the leisure industry?

“Having danced since childhood , progressing to teaching dancing in my early 20’s – the opportunity arose whilst working in HR for the local authority leisure department , to do my exercise to music qualification , meaning I could take my enthusiasm for fitness and dance to a much wider audience.”

What’s your career highlight to date?

“Is it too cheesy to say – the opportunity to join Alliance ? 🤣 If so – Leading the team that recruited over 500 new members in one weekend when OneRen opened the On-X Leisure Centre.”

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

“A walk or cold water dip in the morning with friends , followed by a casual brunch. Shopping or a trip to the hairdressers in the afternoon , then an evening out or at home for dinner with some of our couple friends; Alternatively we’d head to London to visit our son who lives there.’

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

“I can’t ride a bike!”

Have you ever met anyone famous?

“Pele!”

Where is the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

“St Lucia in the Carribean!”

You’ve got a £20 credit on Uber Eats, what are you ordering?

“Panko Breaded Haddock Supper from my local ‘posh ‘ chippie!”

Where are you based and have you always lived there?

“I live in Bearsden in the suburbs west of Glasgow and have done for 14 years. Prior to that lived in the west of Glasgow all my life – a true and fiercely proud Glaswegian”

Meet the whole team here…

Meet the Team

Stuart Thornton joins Alliance Leisure

Stuart Thornton Joins Alliance Leisure

As Alliance Leisure continues to grow, we are delighted to introduce our newest starter, Stuart Thornton, as our new Finance Director.

Stuart joins us from outside of sector having previously been finance director for housebuilding and finance companies based globally. Growing up in Leeds, he then studied and lived in Liverpool for a number of years, before settling in the Bristol area.

Get to know Stuart in this introductory Q&A!

ALI23082 Alliance Recruitment Graphics-1

What’s your career highlight to date?

“After a lot of time, effort and sacrifices’, becoming a qualified chartered accountant has to be the highlight. It was 10 years of hard work and the springboard for my career.”

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

“If we had a free warm and dry weekend, we would go camping at the River Dart Country Park in Devon, where we would climb waterfalls at Becky Falls, raft in the nearby river and spend the weekend eating BBQ’d meat!”

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

“When I was 12/13 years old I use to be an OK high board diver, winning comps against future GB divers who went onto the Olympics – I got lucky! To the dismay of my mum, I gave it all up for Scouting! Dib Dib Dob Dob!”

Have you ever met anyone famous?

“After a lengthy walk from my home, I would trick or treat at Tony Yeboah (scored one of the greatest Premier League goals in history), Gary MacAlister’s, Brian Deans and David Battys houses – all Leeds Utd Legends of the 90’s! They rarely answered but was worth trying for the few times they did!”

What’s your favourite sport/team?

“Sport: Football and rock climbing – not great at either though!
Team: Bristol City FC/Keynsham Town FC Juniors (middle son’s team!)”

Where’s the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

‘Honeymoon to Greece, island hopping for 3 weeks – first week was extravagant but after a week being told I could not wear shorts to dinner (trousers only in the baking heat!?) my wife and I quickly went back to back-packing around the islands staying in more basic accommodation…more money left over for Greek Gyros and beers!’

You’ve got a £20 credit on Uber Eats, what are you ordering?

‘A Gyros, chips and beer’

Favourite holiday destination?

‘Costa Adeje – Tenerife – great weather, food, beaches, watersports and lots for the kids to do! Keeps them off their screens for a short while!’

Meet the Rest of the Team

Alliance Leisure Delivers Knockout BOX12 Studio in Walsall

Working in partnership with Walsall Council, Alliance Leisure has delivered its first dedicated BOX12 boxing-based boutique training facility within the footprint of an established leisure centre.

The new studio, created from under-utilised office space, occupies a new studio space on the first floor and can accommodate up to 16 participants at any one time, all working out in a circuit style format, supported by digital coaching and exercise demonstrations.

We were looking to create something special, something unique in the community that would inspire people to get active and stay active. Alliance Leisure has an excellent reputation and track record for developing engaging place-based activity spaces so employing their expertise was a no-brainer. We wanted to obtain maximum impact and engagement for our £300,000 budget. When the BOX12 studio was first tabled as an idea we were a little sceptical. It sounded interesting but we were struggling to understand how it might work as a ‘box within a box’ at Oak Park Active Living Centre. Our concerns were soon put to rest when Alliance hosted visits to an existing BOX12 facility located at Newcastle Under Lyme. We fell in love with the energy, fun and uniqueness of the experience and were convinced it would ignite a spark in the community and people would want to get involved. We were also encouraged by the fact that the two BOX12 founders are also co-owners of the established Hatton Boxing brand.

Stuart Webb

Group Manager, Walsall Council

BOX12 is a 36-minute workout consisting of 12, 3-minute rounds that combine boxing and functional fitness exercises. Each exercise is separated by a 3-minute rest period. The workout is fast-paced, training strength, power and cardiovascular fitness as well as balance, reaction time and flexibility.

BOX12 provides a welcoming and encouraging environment for everybody, regardless of ability or experience. People can train at their own pace and level within the parameters of the workout format.
Whilst some of the exercises are individual, many require people to pair-up, helping to nurture a supportive community that provides social and mental benefits as well as physical. Digital instruction and exercise demonstrations are provided throughout, freeing up instructors to focus more on motivational coaching and encouragement. In the case of the install at Walsall, BOX12 also integrates the Myzone platform, helping people to understand their training levels, challenging themselves whilst working within safe limits.

Kenny Wattam

Project Manager, BOX12

Works began in October 2023 transforming the office space into the vibrant BOX12 studio and completed in just 11 weeks. BOX12 launched in 2019 so is still a relatively new kid on the fitness industry block. That said, it is experiencing exciting growth within the UK, Europe and as far afield as Saudi Arabia.

The BOX12 project at the Oak Park Active Living Centre was delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Other partners on the project include Universal Construction, Savernake Property Consultants, Bignall Shacklady and Ewing Architects and Greenwood Projects for Principal Design.

In terms of the sensory experience we kept within the traditional BOX12 design framework, creating a stripped back industrial feel enhanced by strategically positioned lighting, wraparound graphics and high-quality equipment. When people step into the studio, they immediately feel they have arrived in a unique space, leaving any stresses and strains of everyday life at the door and enabling total focus on their workout. BOX12 is fresh and delivers a unique experience for people living in and around Walsall. Whilst it is hoped the existing leisure centre users will embrace the new offer, we also expect BOX12 to attract a new audience, extending the centre's positive influence on the local community.

Kenny Wattam

Project Manager, BOX12

Alliance Leisure appointed to new leisure centre project for Kingston upon Thames

Alliance Leisure has been appointed to work on the concept design for a new leisure centre for The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in south-west London.

Appointed via the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Alliance Leisure will help shape the new two storey venue, which has sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart.

The design team, which includes architects Roberts Limbrick, are currently working with community stakeholders, potential future users and the council to ensure the new design meets their needs. Public update sessions will take place this month, with engagement on the proposed designs scheduled for the spring.

The new design will replace former plans for a leisure complex as the council made the decision not to proceed with the approved application when the unprecedented national financial picture led to costs rising to almost double the agreed budget.

Kingfisher Leisure Site Oppotunities 3D 1 (002)

Located in Kingston town centre on the site of the old Kingfisher Leisure Centre which closed in 2019, outline plans for the new facility include two swimming pools with moveable floors. The 25m, eight lane pool will offer spectator seating for 150 people, while the smaller pool measuring 20m x 10m will feature lights, water fountains and accessible steps for fun splash sessions. A pool pod, hoist and easy going access steps will be available in both pools for comfortable access for those with additional needs.

Following extensive consultation and a strategic review of indoor sports needs across the borough, other facilities will include a 150-station gym, four-court sports hall, three multi-activity studios, a group cycling studio, two squash courts, a health suite with sauna and steam rooms, café and a soft play area. The centre will also offer a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility.

Spaces around the site will be enhanced as part of the project, including upgrading the outdoor play area and improving green space.

The development aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will incorporate Net Zero design principles and a host of technologies to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. The building will be all electric, with power supported by solar panels and heat generated by air source heat pumps.

The project team includes architects Roberts Limbrick, Hadron Consulting, Design Active and Varsity QS.

Kingfisher Leisure Site Oppotunities 3D_ 2 (002)

Kingston Council is committed to building a new swimming and leisure centre in Kingston town centre and we have been working at pace to bring forward revised proposals for the complex. We are pleased to have such an experienced project team, managed through Alliance Leisure and procured through the UK Leisure Framework, to ensure that the project can be delivered on time, include the range of activities that residents and stakeholders said they wanted to see, and within an affordable budget.

Chris Jones

Project Director at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames

Having developed over 200 leisure projects, our role is to use this experience to lead a team of best-in-class experts to develop an outstanding new leisure facility for Kingston. We are looking forward to shaping a new, sustainable and inclusive leisure centre that meets the needs of the local community providing long lasting improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Tom Fairey

Development Director, Alliance Leisure

Our specialist sport and leisure team, with a national reputation in this sector, are delighted to be playing their part in the design of a new accessible, inclusive and sustainable swimming and leisure centre for the residents of Kingston. The centre is being designed to provide a range of facilities and opportunities for users of all abilities to promote active lives. Two swimming pools, a sports hall, squash courts, fitness gym, studio spaces and health suite form the key sporting facilities that sit alongside a large café and double height soft play. It is exciting to see the designs developing into an efficient two-storey building that meets the needs of the local community on this important town centre site.

Chris Kent

Associate, Roberts Limbrick

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Alliance Leisure Elevates Sport Wales National Centre with Gym Refurbishment

Alliance Leisure has completed the refurbishment of two gym spaces at Sport Wales National Centre to enhance the workout experience at the home of Welsh sport, with more Sport Wales-funded projects underway, including the country’s first interactive squash court.

Gillian Dunster

The Bobby Moore Sports Hub Officially Opens to the Local Community

Robert Sullivan

Greg Walker

An Active March for Alliance Leisure & TA6

Alliance Leisure Celebrates 25th Anniversary With The Completion of 250th Development Project in Derby

This month sees the public opening of the new build football hub within the grounds of Derby Racecourse, an event that puts a new marker in the sand for development partner, Alliance Leisure, as the company’s 250th completed project since its launch 25 years ago.

Will Gardner

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa

Sarah Watts

Martin Davies

Paul Jackson

Alliance Leisure Makes New Appointments to Support Growth

Alliance Leisure has made a raft of new appointments across the business to support its continued growth. The new appointments come as the leisure development specialist celebrates 25 years of transforming leisure provision across the UK.

Jonny Curley

Stuart Thornton

Paul Cluett

A warm welcome to Steve Rose as he joins our South East regional team

Steve Rose is joining Alliance Leisure following 15 years of experience in and around the leisure industry, having spent time at Fusion Lifestyle, SIV and Sheffield City Council. Steve’s professional experience and knowledge of the leisure industry will make him a valuable asset to the team.

Find out a little more about Steve as we ask him the questions that matter!

What’s your career highlight to date?

“Leading the proposal for Fusion Lifestyle to operate Cleveland Pools in Bath – the oldest operating lido in Western Europe. This was a real labour of love and such a unique site which was unlike anything I had ever work on before.”

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

“I am a former Yorkshire and North Eastern District swimming champion, specializing in Butterfly. I was due to take part in trials for Team GB in the 2004 Olympics, but got struck down with Shingles at the time of the trials so could not compete.”

Have you ever met anyone famous?

“I met Mick Jagger on a stairwell, just outside the gents, in a bar in Hackney.”

Favourite sport/team?

“Raised as a Sheffield Wednesday fan, but current living situation means I have a strong soft spot for Arsenal.”

Where the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

“I have spent a lot of time in India, and frequented the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for Afternoon Tea in Mumbai on my last visit, which is one of the most opulent hotels in the world, and is extravagance personified.”

Where are you based and have you always lived there?

“I was born and bred in Barnsley and am a proud Yorkshireman. I have, however, been based in North London for the last decade, and love the buzz of city life.”

Have you got a bucket list, and can you share something from it?

“One thing that I have always wanted to do is to learn how to ride a motorbike. It just seems to be one of those things that I never get chance to do, and the weather never seems consistently nice enough.”

Meet the whole team here…

Scottish team expands with appointment of Jo Cameron

We are delighted to introduce another new face this month – Jo Cameron, our new Delivery Manager for Scotland.

Jo is joining us from OneRen, where she held a variety of roles, most recently Sales Team Manager. She has experience in both private and public sectors.

A proud Glaswegian, Jo has lived in and around Glasgow all her life and will be supporting Jonny Curley with developments across Scotland.

Get to know Jo in this introductory Q&A!

What initially attracted you to the leisure industry?

What’s your career highlight to date?

“Is it too cheesy to say – the opportunity to join Alliance ? 🤣 If so – Leading the team that recruited over 500 new members in one weekend when OneRen opened the On-X Leisure Centre.”

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

“A walk or cold water dip in the morning with friends , followed by a casual brunch. Shopping or a trip to the hairdressers in the afternoon , then an evening out or at home for dinner with some of our couple friends; Alternatively we’d head to London to visit our son who lives there.’

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

“I can’t ride a bike!”

Have you ever met anyone famous?

“Pele!”

Where is the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

“St Lucia in the Carribean!”

You’ve got a £20 credit on Uber Eats, what are you ordering?

“Panko Breaded Haddock Supper from my local ‘posh ‘ chippie!”

Where are you based and have you always lived there?

“I live in Bearsden in the suburbs west of Glasgow and have done for 14 years. Prior to that lived in the west of Glasgow all my life – a true and fiercely proud Glaswegian”

Meet the whole team here…

Stuart Thornton Joins Alliance Leisure

As Alliance Leisure continues to grow, we are delighted to introduce our newest starter, Stuart Thornton, as our new Finance Director.

Get to know Stuart in this introductory Q&A!

What’s your career highlight to date?

“After a lot of time, effort and sacrifices’, becoming a qualified chartered accountant has to be the highlight. It was 10 years of hard work and the springboard for my career.”

You’ve got a free weekend, what are you up to?

“If we had a free warm and dry weekend, we would go camping at the River Dart Country Park in Devon, where we would climb waterfalls at Becky Falls, raft in the nearby river and spend the weekend eating BBQ’d meat!”

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

“When I was 12/13 years old I use to be an OK high board diver, winning comps against future GB divers who went onto the Olympics – I got lucky! To the dismay of my mum, I gave it all up for Scouting! Dib Dib Dob Dob!”

Have you ever met anyone famous?

What’s your favourite sport/team?

“Sport: Football and rock climbing – not great at either though!Team: Bristol City FC/Keynsham Town FC Juniors (middle son’s team!)”

Where’s the most extravagant place you’ve been to?

You’ve got a £20 credit on Uber Eats, what are you ordering?

‘A Gyros, chips and beer’

Favourite holiday destination?

‘Costa Adeje – Tenerife – great weather, food, beaches, watersports and lots for the kids to do! Keeps them off their screens for a short while!’

Alliance Leisure Delivers Knockout BOX12 Studio in Walsall

Stuart Webb

Kenny Wattam

Kenny Wattam

This month sees the public opening of the new build football hub within the grounds of Derby Racecourse, an event that puts a new marker in the sand for development partner, Alliance Leisure, as the company’s 250^th completed project since its launch 25 years ago.

“Sport: Football and rock climbing – not great at either though!
Team: Bristol City FC/Keynsham Town FC Juniors (middle son’s team!)”