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!
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!’
Alliance Leisure Delivers Knockout BOX12 Studio in Walsall
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Sustainable Leisure And Wellness Centre Opens In North Yorkshire
Sustainable Leisure and Wellness Centre Opens in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Council delivered an early Christmas present to the residents in Knaresborough in the form of a new £17.5 million energy efficient leisure and wellness centre. (December 2023)
The new build centre, developed by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, was originally commissioned by Harrogate Borough Council and is now part of a wider £47.9 million leisure transformation project by the newly Combined North Yorkshire Council. Investment has also delivered an extensive refurbishment of The Harrogate Hydro – rebranded the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre, which creates a network of modern, sustainable leisure and wellness hubs designed to serve the community for many years to come.
In Knaresborough, the new Leisure and Wellness Centre delivers a range of wet and dry facilities for all ages to enjoy. In addition to a six-lane 25-metre pool, complete with pool pod, a leisure pool with flume and a 60-station fitness suite, there is also a sauna and steam room, a group fitness studio, an immersive group cycling studio and a café. Outside, a children’s play area constructed from natural materials will open in the new year and has been designed to blend in with the surroundings. Electric car charge points and bicycle storage have also been added to encourage sustainable travel.
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In addition to delivering on facilities and community needs, the new Leisure and Wellness Centre also delivers on energy efficiency. Old school gas boilers have been swapped out for efficient air source heat pumps whilst roof mounted solar panels provide an ongoing source of renewable energy. LED lighting throughout is complimented by a modern building management system and state-of-the-art electrical infrastructure, all contributing to an anticipated 60 per cent reduction in carbon output compared fossil fuelled alternatives.
The Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre, along with the Harrogate Leisure and Wellness Centre and the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre are all managed by Brimhams Active, a community health and wellbeing company, wholly owned by North Yorkshire Council.
‘Meeting communities where they are’ has been a mantra of the project. Working alongside Brimham’s, the Alliance TA6 team have been supporting project success with the delivery of strategic marketing, delivering branding personas that truly reflect the philosophy of ‘helping people move more, live well, and feel great across the Harrogate district’.
All works at Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre has been delivered by leading leisure development specialist Alliance Leisure, working alongside construction partner, ISG and GT3 Architects. Works have been delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).
By moving the service offer from being a conventional swimming pool to a community health and wellbeing service we aim to help people move more, live well, feel great and reduce the proportion of the population that is physically inactive.
Councillor Simon Myers
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and leisure
In Knaresborough, the new build facility is also achieving BREEAM Excellent status, a recognised third-party certification for sustainability performance. Achieving the 'excellent' standard of efficiency places the development amongst the top performing leisure facilities in the UK when it comes to energy efficiency. This is good news for the council's net zero targets, good news for residents and ultimately, good news for the planet. More than 60 per cent of project works has been delivered via the local supply chain whilst targeted training opportunities have created several apprenticeship opportunities. This development is truly a project delivered by the community for the community and it's been an absolute privilege to be involved.
James Foley
Commercial Director, Alliance Leisure
At Brimhams Active we have a simple vision: to ensure everyone in our community can lead an active, healthy and happy life. The creation of this new Leisure and Wellness Centre provides a modern, safe space where all walks of life, at every stage of life's journey, can come together and enjoy a range of activities from swimming and fitness to dining and relaxing. The investment really does deliver something for everyone. I'm now looking forward to working with my team to bring these facilities to life.
Mark Tweedie
Managing Director, Brimhams Active
Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new build leisure and sport complex in Lancashire
Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new build leisure and sport complex in Lancashire
Following a successful planning application by Hyndburn Borough Council, Alliance Leisure has been appointed to deliver a new build leisure and sport centre at Wilsons Playing Fields, Clayton-le-moors, Lancashire.
The new £12 million development being delivered in partnership with Sport England, will include a four-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna and steam room, group exercise studio, café, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities that will service teams making use of the various outdoor sports facilities. Funding for the project has been allocated by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of the borough’s leisure transformation plan.
The development of the new leisure and sports centre is part of our ongoing commitment to provide everyone in our community with the leisure and social opportunities they need to prosper. The modern building will complement the existing outdoor sports facilities creating opportunities for the whole community to enjoy a wide variety of activities both as participants and as spectators. This investment will provide a community facility that drives health and happiness for many years to come. Every effort has been made to ensure the finished centre will answer the specific needs of our community. Alliance Leisure has been instrumental in supporting us through the planning application and development of the project, undertaking detailed surveys and reports, and assembling a best-in-class project team to see this concept through to completion. Working with Alliance through the UK Leisure Framework, we will ensure efficiencies and expertise at every stage of the build, ensuring every penny invested delivers a positive return to the community.
Councillor Marlene Haworth
Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council
In addition to creating a modern activity and sports hub, designed to meet the specific needs of the community, the new building will be designed to optimise energy efficiencies. Air source heat pumps, solar panels and the utilisation of the very latest Low and Zero Carbon Technologies will all support the council’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2030.
All works are to be delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and led by leisure development specialists, Alliance Leisure, working in close partnership with ISG to deliver the construction works, in full consultation with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure.
Works on the new leisure and sport centre are scheduled to begin early in 2024. It is anticipated the new facilities will be completed in the Spring of 2025.
We are delighted to continue our partnership and leisure development journey with Hyndburn Borough Council and Hyndburn Leisure. This is a hugely exciting project that reflects our commitment to enhancing community wellbeing and creating innovative, sustainable leisure spaces. This project is not just about re-creation; it is an opportunity to provide facilities that are not only fit for purpose, but also environmentally conscious, and will create social value through its development to further benefit the local community.
Tom Gardner
Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure
Alliance Leisure completes energy efficient works at four sites
Alliance Leisure completes energy efficient works at four sites
In the last few weeks, Alliance Leisure has completed decarbonisation works at four leisure venues on behalf of three councils. Works, with a combined investment level of £5.3 million, are anticipated to deliver a total annual energy cost saving of £238,400 and an annual C02 reduction of 586 tonnes per year.
Teignmouth Lido and Broadmeadow Sports Centre, both owned by Teignbridge District Council along with Dronfield Leisure Centre, owned by North East Derbyshire District Council and Darlaston Swimming and Fitness Centre, owned by Walsall Council have all undergone works to improve energy efficiencies. Across the four sites, works have included replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing LED lighting and adding solar panels.
Speaking about the projects, Julia Goddard, Senior Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, says: “All three phases of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme have been over-subscribed, highlighting the huge need for modernisation of ageing assets, such as energy intensive leisure centres. Including these four completed projects, Alliance Leisure is involved in 23 PSDS leisure projects across the UK with a total investment value of more than £30 million.”
We were delighted that Leisure Energy was appointed as Alliance Leisure’s partner to design and install renewable energy technologies and solutions at a number of public leisure facilities. Lowering carbon emissions and reducing energy usage is an important priority and commitment for local authorities and we are pleased to have been able to provide our industry leading expertise and support Teignbridge, North East Derbyshire and Walsall Councils’ in their transition to net zero carbon leisure facilities.
Mike Worsnop
Strategic Director, Leisure Energy
Works at these four sites have been managed by Alliance Leisure and delivered in conjunction with Leisure Energy, through the UK Leisure Framework which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme supports the aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037 and has, so far, invested more than £3 billion across three funding phases.
Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new build leisure centre in Whitchurch
Alliance Leisure appointed to deliver new build leisure centre in Whitchurch
Planning has been approved to build a new, multi-million-pound leisure centre in Whitchurch, Shropshire.
In addition to providing vital services to the local community, the state-of-the-art centre will also welcome visitors from surrounding areas, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for local businesses.
Funded by Shropshire Council the new £13.1 million swimming and fitness centre will include a six-lane 25m pool, 41-station fitness suite and café on the ground floor, complemented by multi-function rooms on the first floor.
I am delighted that planning permission has been granted. It now means we are able to move forward with the development and soon offer more great opportunities for people living in Whitchurch and the surrounding areas to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Peggy Mullock
Shropshire Councillor, Whitchurch North
Alliance Leisure, the UK’s leading leisure developer has been appointed to deliver the project, working through the UK Leisure Framework. Supporting Alliance will be Pellikaan as lead contractor, architects Roberts Limbrick and Axiom will be responsible for project management. The new build will reinstate much needed leisure facilities in a community which has been without a pool since Whitchurch Swimming Pool closed during the pandemic when ongoing maintenance issues deemed it unfit for purpose. It is anticipated the centre will open in mid-2025.
We have assembled a fantastic project team, led by leisure development experts Alliance Leisure, to deliver a first class leisure centre for Whitchurch. Their combined experience and expertise will ensure we provide residents with the health and wellbeing facilities they want and need, both now and in the future. The new leisure centre will not only deliver a superb service to residents, it will also benefit from modern technologies that optimise efficiencies and support the councils aim to achieve net zero by 2030.
Robert Macey
Shropshire Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Digital
Working with the council and our supplier partners through the UK Leisure Framework, we will deliver an efficient leisure facility built in response to the specific needs of the community. An active community is a happy, prosperous community and this is exactly the outcome we intend to deliver.
Julia Goddard
Senior Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure
Project team for £10 million Citadel Leisure Centre revamp unveiled
Project team for £10 million Citadel Leisure Centre revamp unveiled
South Ayrshire Council has appointed the project team to deliver the £10 million redevelopment of Citadel Leisure Centre at Ayr Harbour.
Leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, is leading the project to revitalise the centre, which is used by some 300,000 people a year.
Working alongside Alliance Leisure are architect and principal designer, Holmes Miller, and principal contractor Robertson Construction Central West. The rest of the design and build team comprises Axiom Project Services as project managers and quantity surveyors, WPS as mechanical and electrical consultants and structural engineers Stuer.
The project has been secured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and has long proved a successful vehicle for delivering leisure transformations across the UK. The comprehensive refurbishment will address necessary repair work and will also see the introduction of exciting new facilities to enhance the user experience and create an inviting play, sports and recreation destination for both residents and visitors.
These are exciting times for the Citadel Leisure Centre. I am delighted that a project team has been appointed and we can proceed with plans to revitalise this popular facility. Alliance Leisure has been injecting life into leisure facilities for 25 years and I am confident they can transform the Citadel to ensure it continues to boost the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors for many years to come.
Councillor Brian Connolly
Sport and Leisure Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council
We have assembled a fantastic project team, led by leisure development experts Alliance Leisure, to deliver a first class leisure centre for Whitchurch. Their combined experience and expertise will ensure we provide residents with the health and wellbeing facilities they want and need, both now and in the future. The new leisure centre will not only deliver a superb service to residents, it will also benefit from modern technologies that optimise efficiencies and support the councils aim to achieve net zero by 2030.
Jonny Curley
Senior Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure
Working with Alliance Leisure to support the Council in improving and revamping existing buildings for local communities, the much-loved Citadel Leisure Centre will receive a transformation of its facilities. With the end users in mind, we will ensure that we deliver a thriving community leisure hub that will promote accessible sport and physical activity opportunities for the local community and beyond.
Andy McLinden
Managing Director, Robertson Construction Central West
Multi-activity family destination opens its doors on the Wirral
As part of its ambition to encourage an active community and create a commercially sustainable future for its leisure provision, Wirral Council has invested £2.7 million in the repositioning and development of the Wirral Tennis & Sports Centre as an activity hub for the whole family. The facility has been renamed Bidston Sports & Activity Centre.
Alliance Leisure were appointed as the council’s leisure development partner and delivered the project through the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure, the new destination offers residents and visitors a multitude of experiences to encourage movement and social interactions, helping to promote community cohesion and encourage good health through physical activity.
The facility is divided into three zones; ‘adventure play’, ‘fitness’ and ‘tennis’. Each zone is served by a central remodelled reception area, and supported by a large communal food and beverage facility with a dual servery.
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Working with Alliance Leisure – a proven leisure development specialist - has been extremely positive. At all stages of the development, we had confidence that the project was being managed and directed by those with decades of previous experience and that we were benefiting from efficiencies at all levels of the supply chain. The finished project looks and feels amazing and will enhance the lives of everyone within the community for many years to come.
Andrew McCartan
Assistant Director, Wirral Council
The facility has been transformed from a sports facility into a multi-activity destination. Through the various activities, there is now a provision for all ages and abilities, creating a place where the whole family can get involved. Extensive research has evidenced that active children are more likely to develop into active adults. Encouraging active play from an early age sets the foundations for an active adult population and all the benefits that delivers for individuals and communities
Tom Gardner
Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure
For youngsters aged 8 and above, and also adults, there is TAGactive arena, a digitally gamified obstacle course, whilst a large soft play area will cater for younger children. This area has been designed to encourage families to spend active time together in a safe, stimulating and fun environment.
A new fitness suite, equipped with a comprehensive selection of cardiovascular and strength training equipment, supported by a dedicated, immersive group cycle studio provides state of the art training facilities for all ages and abilities, whilst tennis remains an integral part of the offer, thanks to the retained provision of six indoor courts.
Supporting Alliance Leisure in project delivery is Universal Group as principal contractor, Pozzoni Architects and Play Revolution, the designers and supplier of the TAGactive and adventure play structures. Works began in November 2022.
The facility is owned by Wirral Council and managed by Active Wirral, although the tennis provision is now managed directly by the Lawn Tennis Association due to a direct new partnership for the NGB with Wirral Council.
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