Articles Tagged with: community hub

Construction Progresses on New Haden Hill Leisure Centre

The £24 million redevelopment of Haden Hill Leisure Centre is making significant progress, with major construction milestones achieved as the project moves closer to its anticipated opening in autumn 2027.

We are working in partnership with Sandwell Council to deliver a modern leisure facility, designed to support health, wellbeing and community activity across Sandwell. With the main building structure largely complete, work is progressing towards the next phase of construction and internal fit-out.

The new centre will offer a range of modern facilities for people of all ages and abilities, including a main swimming pool and learner pool, a 100-station gym, two multi-purpose studios, an indoor cycling studio and a four-court sports hall. A dedicated community room will also provide space for local groups, activities and events.

Bringing swimming, fitness, sport and community facilities together under one roof will create more opportunities for residents to be active, connect with others and make healthier lifestyle choices, supporting the long-term health and wellbeing of the local community.

Procured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, the wider project team includes Speller Metcalfe, Roberts Limbrick, Bellrock, Design Active Ltd and Greenwood Projects.

The £24 million redevelopment is backed by £20 million from the UK Government’s levelling Up Fund, alongside contributions from Sandwell Council and Sport England.

Julia Goddard, Regional Director at Alliance Leisure said:

Seeing the new Haden Hill Leisure Centre take shape is an important milestone for everyone involved. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Sandwell Council, Speller Metcalfe and the wider team to deliver a modern, accessible facility that will create opportunities for people across Sandwell for years to come.

Councillor Michael Cooper, Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Neighbourhoods, at Sandwell Council, said:

It’s great to see the progress being made on the new Haden Hill Leisure Centre. Sandwell residents can really start to see the building taking shape, and we’re looking forward to opening the doors in a year’s time.

Construction Begins on £30 million Huntingdon Sport and Health Hub

Alliance Leisure celebrates works getting underway on the delivery of a £30 million Sport and Health Hub in Huntingdon.

The development will transform facilities at One Leisure Huntingdon, creating a modern sport, fitness and wellbeing destination designed to support more people to be active. Plans include a 3G football pitch, padel and pickleball courts, upgraded health and fitness spaces, expanded swimming provision and improved accessibility across the leisure facilities.

The project is being delivered by Alliance Leisure, through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure (DLL) in partnership with Huntingdonshire District Council. Investment is set to create new opportunities for local residents, schools and sports clubs, while strengthening the role of public leisure in supporting community health and wellbeing.

The council has allocated £10.3 million from Community Infrastructure Levy funding to support the development. The wider redevelopment is also expected to deliver more than £1.6 million in wellbeing benefits by encouraging more young people to become active.

Steve Rose, Delivery Manager, Alliance Leisure, comments:

Crucially, the development is shaped around the needs of the local community. By investing in facilities that reflect how residents want and need to be active, the hub will create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport, improve their health and wellbeing, and make the most of their local leisure provision.

Through the UK Leisure Framework we have brought together a specialist team of leisure development partners to work alongside Huntingdonshire District Council, combining the skills and experience needed to turn its vision into reality that will serve the community for many years to come.

Councillor Debbie Mickelburgh, executive councillor for communities, health and leisure, said:

The start of construction is an exciting step forward for the Huntingdon Sport and Health Hub project.

We look forward to seeing the hub take shape and the positive impact it will have in supporting active lifestyles and improving health outcomes for the residents in our district.

Councillor Patrick Kadewere, mayor of Huntingdon, adds:

Huntingdon Town Council is proud to have worked alongside Huntingdonshire District Council, St Peter’s School and the many sports clubs that call this site home to help shape plans for this important investment.

The new Sport and Health Hub will create opportunities for people of all ages to be active, improve their wellbeing, and enjoy sport for generations to come.

Alliance Leisure is responsible for project delivery, coordinating specialist supplier partners including; Varsity Consulting, Saunders Boston Architects and Universal Civils and Build through the UK Leisure Framework to bring the development to life. The framework provides a procurement route for public sector leisure projects, bringing together the expertise needed to deliver complex developments.

Huntingdonshire District Council will continue to work with partners and residents throughout construction, with works due to complete Autumn 2028.

Construction Underway on Farnborough Pools and Fitness

Alliance Leisure joined Rushmoor Borough Council and project partners on Wednesday 30th September at a groundbreaking event to mark a major milestone in the delivery of the new leisure facility in Farnborough.

Once complete, the new facility will provide an accessible, inclusive and modern space designed to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.

Located on the site of the former Queensmead car park, the new community facility will form a key part of the council’s wider regeneration plans for Farnborough town centre.

A Facility Designed around Community Need

Following extensive needs analysis, community engagement and site feasibility work, Farnborough Pools and Fitness will include:

A 25-metre, six-lane main pool
A dedicated learner pool
A modern fitness suite, including power-assisted equipment
Flexible fitness studios, including a spin studio
A café and community space
A children’s soft-play area
An outdoor play area
A new car park located on the Pinehurst car park site

Steve Winter-Rose, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure, said:

This is a significant milestone for the project and the culmination of extensive planning and collaboration between Rushmoor Borough Council, Alliance Leisure and the wider project team.

We are committed to helping deliver a facility that meets the needs of the local community and provides a place for everyone to enjoy, while remaining within the project budget. With construction now underway, we look forward to seeing the plans begin to take shape.

Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council said:

Providing residents with opportunities to stay active and lead healthy lifestyles is a key priority for the council. We’re delighted to be working with Alliance Leisure to deliver Farnborough Pools and Fitness, and it is fantastic to see first-hand the significant progress already being made on site.

Delivery Through Partnership

The project has been procured via the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Alliance Leisure is leading the delivery of the project, working alongside a specialist team of partners.

The project team includes:

Pellikaan – Construction Contractor
GT3 Architects – Architecture
Hadron – Project Management
CGP – MEP Consultants
Ramboll – Planning Consultants
Enginuiti – Structural Engineers
Colour – Landscape Architects
Greenwood Projects – Principal Designer (CDM)
SK Transport – Transport Consultants

Construction is now underway, with completion anticipated by the end of 2027.

Planning Permission Granted for new King Alfred Leisure Centre

Plans for a new King Alfred Leisure Centre have taken a major step forward after planning permission was officially granted for the redevelopment of the site.

We are delighted to be delivering this exciting project for Brighton and Hove City Council, which was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), working with Willmott Dixon, GT3 Architects, Hadron Consulting and the wider project team.

The approved scheme will deliver a modern, accessible and sustainable new leisure centre that will replace the ageing existing building and provide improved sports, leisure and wellbeing facilities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Facilities include an eight-lane swimming pool, teaching pool, leisure water area, larger fitness suite, sports hall, exercise studios, soft play facilities, community space and café with sea views.

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, said:

We are delighted to have achieved this significant milestone for the hugely important new King Alfred project. We are looking forward to continuing at pace through the final stage of pre-construction and working with our expert partners to deliver this exciting new facility that meets the needs of the community for many years to come.

The new building will be constructed on part of the current site, allowing the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre to remain open while construction takes place. Once the new facility is complete and operational, the current building will be demolished.

The new leisure centre is a key part of the council’s wider Sports Facilities Investment Plan for the whole city.

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said:

With planning permission now secured, we can move forward and finally deliver the modern, accessible leisure centre our city deserves.

After decades of waiting and a series of plans that never made it this far, residents will soon see real progress on a new King Alfred Leisure Centre.

We’re never going to find a scheme that suits everyone, but we’ve listened to resident feedback throughout the process and made changes to the design, including the building’s appearance, in response to comments from residents and planning consultees.

We’ve now got a scheme that can be delivered while keeping the current centre open so there’s no loss to facilities, helping people of all ages stay active now for years to come. This is a major investment in Brighton & Hove’s future.

Proposals for the New Leisure Centre

The plans include:

a much larger fitness suite with 150 stations, compared to around 30 stations in the current facility
a larger main pool (8 lanes compared to 6) with walk-in steps and Pool Pod
a larger (17m), more versatile teaching pool with Pool Pod and a movable floor giving the operator flexibility to offer a range of activities including shallow water sessions and Varioplay
a dedicated leisure water area incorporating features such as interactive play, an enclosed flume and jets/fountains
a dedicated spin cycling studio along with two group exercise studios
a 6-court sports hall, with a flexible layout for activities such as roller sports, inflatables, kids’ birthday parties, 5-a-side football, 3×3 basketball and volleyball
a multi-use community room
a much larger cafe with sea views
an interactive soft play area over 4 levels
an underground car park with 122 spaces including blue badge spaces and direct access into the building
improved accessibility throughout the building including clear wayfinding, a centrally located Changing Places facility, and blue badge parking beside the lift

The project will now move into the final stages of pre-construction work, and we look forward to sharing further updates when they arise. The new leisure centre is expected to open in 2028.

Our Engagement team have been working closely with the council to create and update a project microsite which can be found here

Exterior Façade Works Completed at Citadel Leisure Centre

The Citadel Leisure Centre in Ayr has received a major facelift as part of its exciting refurbishment programme.

We are proud to have reached this milestone in the larger project that we are delivering for South Ayrshire Council alongside Robertson Construction Central West. The brief: to deliver a modern, visually striking exterior at the busy facility. The construction of the centre’s brand-new entrance façade was completed earlier this month, and fully encapsulates the council’s objectives.

Works included curtain walling glazing, a new roof overlay above the entrance and cladding. With the façade now complete, focus will now shift to the internal fit out of the new entrance area.

A series of critical infrastructure upgrades are also being carried out to modernise the facility. These include roofing repairs; essential pool plantroom works; a major electrical upgrade and other enabling works.

Councillor Alec Clark, Deputy Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, comments:

It’s wonderful to see this modern, welcoming entrance take shape at the Citadel as part of the wider improvement programme. It’s a visible sign of the investment being made to ensure the leisure centre continues to serve the community for years to come.

Whilst Jonny Curley, Alliance Leisure’s Director for Scotland, adds:

We are proud to be managing this transformative project on behalf of South Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Leisure. The progress on the façade is a clear indicator of the excellent collaboration between the Council, the design team, and the contractors on site. Every milestone achieved, from the early façade demolition to the installation of the final panels, brings us closer to delivering a first-class facility for the community.

The Alliance Leisure Engagement Team has also been working tirelessly behind the scenes to support South Ayrshire Council with their branding, customer engagement, and more. A primary feature of ongoing community engagement has been the creation and management of a dedicated microsite for the project, which contains all of the latest updates and plans for locals to peruse.

This project was procured using the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

Bury Leisure Centre upgrades to begin in November

Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre is set to undergo key improvements, including new water play features, updated changing facilities and complete decarbonisation of the site.

Works at the centre are expected to start in early November and will be completed in phases to minimise disruption to users of the centre.

West Suffolk Council has been successful in securing a decarbonisation grant that enables the leisure centre to replace gas plant with heat pumps.

The proposed enhancements to the leisure centre, combined with the decarbonisation works, will improve the facilities and services to better meet the needs of the community.

West Suffolk Council and Abbeycroft have worked together with Alliance Leisure, the specialist leisure development partner, to design the refurbishment works to reflect the consultation responses and bring this project to fruition.

The first phase includes the installation of a new dedicated Spin Studio and the existing Fitness Suite will be redecorated and new equipment installed – including the enhancement of E-gym offering modern smart fitness technology.

Also included in the first phase is work to the existing health suite, which will be refurbished with a modern sauna, steam room and new solarium facilities. The room finishes will be enhanced to create a more natural tone, creating a light and relaxing environment.

The project was procured using the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), with the project team consisting of Etec Group, Saunders Boston, Varsity Consulting, Hippo Leisure, Hensall and Leisure Energy.

For the latest updates on this project please visit https://www.abbeycroft.org.uk/bury-leisure-centre-improvements/

I am delighted to announce that the refurbishment work is beginning on the leisure centre this November. This is a well-needed upgrade and enhancement, which has been designed to reflect the needs of our residents and communities, ensuring they are the best fit to enable our community to thrive. Careful consideration has been given to how the works will be completed, and the phased approach means the community can continue to access services that benefit their health and wellbeing.

Cllr Ian Shipp

Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council

We're really excited to see these improvements get underway — they represent a major investment in the future of health and wellbeing for our community. While we anticipate some disruption along the way, we're doing everything possible to minimise it and ensure that our customers can continue to enjoy the facilities they value. Our goal has always been to provide opportunities for everyone to be more active and live healthier, happier lives, and this refurbishment will help us do just that for years to come.

Tracey Loynds

Operations Director, Abbeycroft

We are proud to be overseeing the transformation of Bury St Edmunds Leisure Centre for West Suffolk Council and Abbeycroft. A lot of careful work has taken place to ensure that the new centre fits the local community's unique requirements, and we know that residents will be thrilled with their new facility as a result. What's more, the site's decarbonisation ensures that the facility benefits both people and the planet, making the revitalised leisure centre a true asset to the community.

Ruth Ripsher

Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure

New Leisure Centre marks sixth successful project with Hyndburn Council

New Cath Thom Leisure Centre marks sixth successful project with Hyndburn Council

The new Cath Thom Leisure Centre at Wilson Sports Village has opened to the public, the latest project successfully delivered by Alliance Leisure for Hyndburn Borough Council.

Funded by the Council and Sport England, the circa £13 million scheme sets a new benchmark for delivering cost-effective, inclusive and sustainable facilities tailored to the needs of the local community.

The project faced a setback following the collapse of the original contractor, ISG, which went into administration in September 2024. Works restarted in January 2025 after the appointment of Universal Civils and Build under the UK Leisure Framework, allowing the development to complete in line with the original scope, specification and quality standards.

We are incredibly proud to be delivering our sixth project with Hyndburn Borough Council, and this one feels particularly special. The Cath Thom Leisure Centre will make a real difference to people's lives, creating opportunities for the community to be active, to connect and to thrive together. This journey hasn't been without its challenges, but the determination and vision shown by the Council has been inspiring. We are delighted to play our part in bringing this landmark facility to life, and we can't wait to see the positive impact it will have for future generations.

Tom Gardner

Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure

Designed by Pozzoni, the facility is one of the key environmentally responsible buildings in the borough, achieving an impressive A-rated energy efficiency thanks to high-performance construction materials, innovative design features and rigorous quality controls.

The centre’s fossil fuel-free heating, cooling and hot water systems are powered by energy-efficient technologies and supported by solar panels, dramatically reducing the building’s carbon footprint. These measures reduce carbon emissions and running costs, while placing the centre on the cusp of an A+ rating, supporting the Council’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon activities by 2030.

Named in honour of Cath Thom, the late Councillor for Clayton-Le-Moors, Mayor of Hyndburn and Honorary Alderman, the single-storey building is fully accessible with full level access throughout and wide corridors and doors to make movement easier for everyone. Other features include dedicated accessible showers, toilets and changing facilities as well as a fully equipped Changing Places room for those who need extra space and support.

The 25m swimming pool is equipped with the Poolpod 3.0; a platform lift system offering a safe, dignified and independent entry experience. The centre also has clear and concise signage with added symbols and Braille, while blinds installed between the café and pool area give users the option of privacy when using the pool. The centre has also made provision for accessible parking spaces, with ramps, handrails and outdoor seating to help visitors feel welcome and comfortable.

Set within Wilson Sports Village, alongside woodland paths, a running track and outdoor pitches, facilities at the centre also include a fitness suite, multi-purpose studio, sauna and steam room, café, changing village and external changing facilities for outdoor sports users.

The Cath Thom Leisure Centre has been a real success story for Hyndburn. Alliance Leisure's experience and hands-on approach helped us deliver the project to a high standard. Their experience during a difficult period in the early construction was invaluable. With support from Sport England and other partners, we've created a fantastic, accessible, low carbon leisure facility which will provide opportunities for sport and physical activity for generations to come.

Cllr Munsif Dad

Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council

The project follows decarbonisation and energy efficiency works at Hyndburn Leisure centre in addition to the refurbishment of the centre’s 3G pitch and LED lighting. All works have been delivered by the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, with Alliance Leisure appointed as the council’s development partner.

New Outdoor Sporting Hub Opens for Burgess Hill

The Arc: New Outdoor Sporting Hub Opens for Burgess Hill

Mid Sussex District Council, in partnership with their development partner Alliance Leisure, has completed The Arc – a new, first-class outdoor sporting destination for Burgess Hill and the wider Mid Sussex community.

The development forms a key part of Brookleigh, the Homes England-led regeneration that will deliver 3,500 homes (30% affordable), public spaces, infrastructure and community facilities. Developed alongside the master developer for Brookleigh, Homes England, the scheme was brought to life by a project team including Hadron Consulting and TG Escapes.

Delivered by sports construction-specialists S&C Slatter, The Arc brings high-quality, durable playing surfaces and support facilities to an 8.6-hectare site, including:

Floodlit 3G football pitch
Artificial grass rugby pitch
Three junior natural turf football pitches
Full-size natural turf football pitch
Artificial cricket wicket with turf outfield
New changing pavilion designed and built by modular specialist TG Escapes, featuring four Sport England-compliant changing rooms, officials’ changing, kit stores, DDA-compliant WCs and a welcoming reception

The Arc is a fantastic addition to Burgess Hill and a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a commitment to community development. The new sporting facility has been designed by the local community for the local community, ensuring it becomes a valued and integral part of local life. We're excited to see it become a hub for sport, health, wellbeing and connection.

Councillor Robert Eggleston

Leader of the Council

At the heart of the development is a net-zero, timber-frame changing facility using modern methods of construction, eco-friendly materials and integrated technologies to deliver an efficient, warm and inviting space that sits sympathetically within its natural surroundings.

Refined over three years through extensive community engagement, consultation and data analysis, the scheme complements existing sports infrastructure across the district and creates a focal point for sport, health and social connection.

As the government's housing and regeneration agency, we're pleased to be working in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council on the Brookleigh development, a sustainable new community in Mid Sussex. The Arc plays a vital role in this, as a new state-of-the-art sports centre to be enjoyed by the local community.

Graham Hyslop

Director of Projects (Large Sites) at Homes England

The Arc has been part-funded through Section 106 developer contributions, ensuring the benefits of nearby growth are directly reinvested into community facilities. Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout, from the pavilion’s MMC timber system to a carefully planned site layout that protects and enhances the local environment.

On completion, Places Leisure, the leading social enterprise operator, will manage The Arc, adding to its portfolio of three other leisure facilities in the region.

The project was procure via the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

Work starts on South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub

Alliance Leisure starts works on South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub

Alliance Leisure has started work on the new South Holland Health and Wellbeing Hub, after South Holland District Council received £20m of government funding towards the project to address local health and wellbeing outcomes.

Replacing Castle Sports Complex in Spalding, Lincolnshire, which consists of swimming pool and sports buildings in separate locations, the project will deliver an integrated hub. It will combine new swimming pools with a wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities alongside health provision and community spaces.

South Holland has the fourth worst adult activity rate in England, with 40% of adults and 48% of children failing to meet recommended exercise levels. The new Health & Wellbeing Hub is key to addressing these levels of inactivity with facilities and services targeted to families, older people and those interacting with wellness services, as well as enhanced facilities for those who are already engaged.

The population is projected to rise from 98,000 in 2022 to 107,000 by 2036, with people aged 65 and over set to become the largest age group. This shifting demographic will place increasing pressure on health services in South Holland.

I'm delighted that this bold and ambitious project is now underway, and I am looking forward to working with our partners to deliver these new and improved sport and wellbeing facilities for the people of South Holland. This once-in-a-generation funding opportunity is about setting the foundations and creating an attractive, accessible and inviting hub to help our residents to live healthier, more active lives, now and for many years to come.

Councillor Gary Taylor

South Holland District Council's project sponsor

The new multi-million-pound Hub is being delivered by Alliance Leisure on behalf of South Holland District Council, through the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

The project includes a new swimming complex with a six-lane 25m pool and a six-lane, 20m teaching pool for schools, learners, families, physiotherapy and rehabilitation. A modern changing village and with spaces for families and groups will enhance the offer.

Inside the Hub, facilities will include a sports hall, gym, indoor cycling and fitness studios, play zone and a coffee shop type area. Dedicated spaces will support assisted exercise and health services, including mental health, diabetes and dementia support. The Hub will be fully accessible, with new Changing Places facilities also provided.

Outside, the Hub will offer a full size floodlit 3G football pitch, learn-to-cycle area, BMX and mountain bike facilities and a track for walking, cycling and athletics training.

South Holland has some of the lowest activity levels in the country. This project will create modern sport, leisure and recreation facilities and put essential health and wellbeing services at the heart of the community. The new Hub will help address inactivity, reduce health inequalities and support healthier futures for all residents.

Sean Nolan

Regional Director

Designed with sustainability and reducing carbon emissions firmly in mind, the new centre will be all-electric and completely gas free, featuring air source heat pumps, extensive solar PVs and electric vehicle chargers.

Led by Alliance Leisure, the project team includes contractors Willmott Dixon, Saunders Boston Architects and project managers Hadron Consulting.

The Hub is expected to open to the public in early 2027.

Alliance Leisure Welcomes On-Site Start at £24M Haden Hill Leisure Centre Redevelopment

Alliance Leisure is delighted to announce that major works have now commenced on the £24 million redevelopment of the Haden Hill Leisure Centre, a landmark project that will deliver a state-of-the-art facility for the local community and support health, fitness and social inclusion across Sandwell.

Contractor Speller Metcalfe has moved on-site and begun initial strip-out and demolition of the existing facility, paving the way for full construction to begin in January 2026, with the centre anticipated to open in spring 2027.

The new Haden Hill Leisure Centre is designed to offer a wide variety of modern, flexible amenities to meet the needs of all ages and abilities. Key features include:

A main swimming pool and a learner pool
Two multi-purpose studios for fitness classes and activities
A 100-station gym
A 27-station indoor cycling studio
A four-court sports hall
A dedicated community room to host local groups and events

Procured via the UK Leisure Framework (managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd), the scheme is a partnership between Sandwell Council, Sport England and the Council’s development partner Alliance Leisure. The project team also includes Roberts Limbrick architects, Axiom Project Services, Design Active Ltd and Greenwood Projects.

The £24 million redevelopment is being backed by £20 million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, supplemented by contributions from Sandwell Council and Sport England.

While initial on-site activity is underway, the core construction phase will formally begin in January 2026, with full delivery of the new centre by spring 2027.

From Alliance Leisure’s perspective, the project represents not just a building, but a long-term investment in health, equality and social value. As Julia Goddard, Regional Director at Alliance Leisure, commented:

We have worked tirelessly with the council and our other project partners to produce a scheme that will truly change the lives of local residents for the better. The new centre will deliver a modern, inclusive, health-focused facility, and also generate construction jobs, supply chain opportunities and community engagement throughout the delivery period.

It is fantastic to see work start on this new community facility which will benefit thousands of people's health and activity levels and I am so looking forward to it opening to the public. Over the past decade, we have built five new leisure centres including the magnificent Sandwell Aquatics Centre. This investment at Haden Hill Leisure Centre will ensure we are maintaining our high-quality leisure offer to all residents of Sandwell across our six towns.

Councillor Suzanne Hartwell

Sandwell Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community