Articles Tagged with: leisure development

Trowbridge Pupils Help Create Lasting Legacy at Time Capsule Event

Pupils from schools across Trowbridge have come together to bury a time capsule at the site of the town’s new leisure centre, capturing a snapshot of life in 2026 for future generations.

As work continues on the modern new facility, pupils marked this key milestone by placing a collection of memories, reflections and creative work into a sealed capsule, which will remain buried on site until at least 2056.

The time capsule includes a wide range of pupil-created items, such as letters, drawings, graphs, photo montages and photographs. A memorial book created by St Augustine’s Catholic College to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II has also been included, alongside construction materials provided by Pellikaan – offering a glimpse into how the leisure centre itself was built.

As part of the event, pupils were also given a behind-the-scenes look at the construction site, including a tour of the developing swimming pool areas – bringing the project to life and giving them a real sense of what the finished centre will offer.

The event provided a fun and unique opportunity for young people to be part of a major local development and leave their mark on Trowbridge’s future.

The time capsule will remain buried at the site for at least 30 years, offering future residents a unique glimpse into life in Trowbridge in 2026 when it is eventually uncovered.

Julia Goddard, Regional Director, said:

The time capsule is a lovely way to connect this project with the community it is being built to serve, something that aligns closely with Alliance Leisure’s commitment to creating facilities that have a lasting impact on local people. When the capsule is opened in years to come, it will not only tell the story of the centre’s construction, but also of the young people and communities who were part of its journey from the very beginning.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, said:

This was a really special moment, bringing together young people from across Trowbridge to create something that will be discovered and enjoyed by future generations.

When complete, the new Trowbridge leisure centre will offer a wide range of facilities, including:

A six‑lane, 25m swimming pool and learner pool
A 120‑station gym
Two fitness studios and an immersive cycle studio
A community meeting room
A new Café
An adventure play area
A dedicated Live Well suite for older adults

This exciting project for Wiltshire Council was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and we look forward to sharing further project updates as they arise.

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Consultation Underway for New Community Stadium

Alliance Leisure are working on behalf of Warwick District Council on plans for a new community stadium at Myton Green.

The proposed facilities will be the new home ground for Leamington FC, and the relocation of the athletics facilities from Edmondscote to the same area.

The Community Stadium plans developed by Leamington FC and the District Council, would see the construction of a 4000-capacity football stadium with a 3G artificial pitch, conference facilities, café and community facilities on land adjacent to Fusiliers Way.

The relocation of the athletics facilities will ensure that the many clubs and schools that train on the existing facilities are able to use a modern, fit-for-purpose facility. The proposed pavilion will also have space the local community can use. The current site of the athletics facilities will become part of a new public park.

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers, Portfolio Holder for Resources, said:

These large-scale projects can take time to develop as it’s important that we get them right, but I’m delighted that we’re now at the stage where we can show the community some updated visuals and plans that really bring these exciting projects to life. I’d encourage anyone interested in these new facilities to take a look at the plans and let us know any comments you have, so that we can ensure we are putting the community at the heart of these facilities.

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New Play Zone Brings More Family Fun to Evesham Leisure Centre

We are proud to have completed the transformation of a former climbing wall area at Evesham Leisure Centre into an exciting new family play zone, on behalf of Wychavon District Council and Wychavon Leisure.

Delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, the £275,000 project has reimagined underused space within the centre to provide an engaging indoor play experience and increase footfall to the site.

The new Rivers PlayZone is designed for children aged up to 10 years old with age-appropriate areas for both toddlers and older children. Working alongside specialist play provider Play Revolution, Alliance Leisure has developed a multi-level dynamic play environment with slides, bash bags, climbing ramps, puzzles and blocks, plus a dedicated sensory zone for babies. TAG gamification technology was also introduced to bring an element of interactivity and challenge to the play arena.

The investment replaces the centre’s former climbing wall, providing a more inclusive, family-focused attraction that supports Wychavon District Council’s ambition to encourage more people through the doors while enhancing the overall leisure experience.

The project demonstrates how existing leisure facilities can be adapted to respond to changing customer demand, creating destinations that appeal to families and support long-term financial sustainability.

Since opening in April, there have been 4500 visits which has contributed to a huge increase in footfall to both the facility itself and also the café.

Gillian Dunster, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, says;

We’re proud to have worked with the council and Play Revolution to deliver another successful project through the UK Leisure Framework, helping ensure Evesham Leisure Centre continues to meet the needs of its local community. By repurposing existing space, we have created an exciting new attraction that complements the centre’s existing facilities while broadening its appeal to new audiences.

Nigel Grundy, Managing Director of Rivers Fitness added:

We’re delighted to see the Rivers PlayZone come to life at Evesham Leisure Centre. We wanted to create a space that gives families even more reasons to visit the centre and provides children with a fun, welcoming environment where they can play, explore and be active.

The PlayZone is an important part of our wider investment in Evesham Leisure Centre, and we’re really pleased to be able to offer something that complements our existing facilities and makes the centre an even better destination for local families.

The project forms part of Wychavon District Council’s continued investment in high-quality leisure facilities that promote active lifestyles, family wellbeing and community participation.

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Trowbridge Leisure Centre Ready for Next Phase of Works

Construction of the new Trowbridge leisure centre has reached another major milestone, with the building now officially weather tight.

With the outer shell now secure, we are excited to share that this project is moving into its next major phase: the internal fit out.

This stage will include:

Installation of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
Construction of internal walls and laying flooring
Specialist leisure finishes throughout
Installation of gym, studio and play equipment

Once these works are complete, construction teams will begin the installation and testing of the two swimming pools, followed by external landscaping and final commissioning ahead of the centre’s opening, which is expected to be by the end of 2026.

The landscaping plans will create a vibrant green space with new walking, cycling and wheeling routes running through the site, helping to seamlessly connect the centre with surrounding community areas.

Gillian Dunster, Business Development Manager, said:

Reaching a weathertight stage is a real moment of momentum for this project. As the development partner on the project, Alliance Leisure is proud to be working with Wiltshire Council to bring forward a facility that will transform how people in Trowbridge can be active and social. With such a wide range of activities planned, it’s exciting to be moving closer to creating a vibrant, inclusive space for the whole community to enjoy.

When complete, the new Trowbridge leisure centre will offer a wide range of facilities, including:

A six‑lane, 25m swimming pool and learner pool
A 120‑station gym
Two fitness studios and an immersive cycle studio
A community meeting room
A new Café
An adventure play area
A dedicated Live Well suite for older adults

This exciting project was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and we look forward to sharing further project updates as they arise.

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Plans Progress for Transformation at Manor Leisure Centre

Validation of a planning application marks a key milestone in proposals to transform Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey into a modern, inclusive and sustainable community hub.

Alliance Leisure is working in partnership with Fenland District Council to progress plans for the redevelopment of Manor Leisure Centre. Submitted in December, the planning application has now been validated, confirming it contains the information required for formal assessment and marking the start of the decision-making timetable.

Being brought forward as part of the council’s member-led Fenland Inspire! investment programme, the scheme proposes a comprehensive redevelopment and extension of the existing swimming pool building alongside the demolition of the separate sports hall. If approved, the project will create a more efficient, fit-for-purpose facility designed to serve the community for decades to come.

Current proposals would modernise and broaden the centre’s offer, with plans including a refurbished 25m six-lane pool and learner pool, new wet changing, a 50-60 station fitness suite, two fitness studios, a new entrance café and viewing area, flexible space for sport and community use, children’s adventure play, covered padel courts and a relocated skate park.

Chris Ames, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure commented:

These proposals have been shaped by public engagement carried out last year and are intended to strengthen links between the leisure centre and the wider Manor Field location. The wider ambition is to support health, wellbeing and community activity while improving operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

The project is being developed through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, with Alliance Leisure leading the scheme through the pre-construction stages. Subject to planning permission and council approval, the scheme will now continue through detailed design ahead of a decision on whether to move into construction later in 2026. Current council reporting indicates that, if approved, main works could begin in 2026, with completion of the building redevelopment targeted for late 2027.

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Planning Granted to Extend Swimming Provision in Droitwich Spa

Planning Granted To Extend Swimming Provision In Droitwich Spa

Wychavon District Council has been granted planning permission to push ahead with the £13 million pound regeneration of Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre.

The works, which we are delivering, will be focused around increasing the facility’s swimming provision, with the addition of a learner pool to support the existing main pool, whilst also modernising throughout to improve engagement, user experience and energy efficiency.

The project will be delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL), with a team of leisure development specialists that include; main contractor, Speller Metcalfe Ltd, architect and design specialist, Watson Batty and award-winning pool and construction company, Buckingham Pools. Works are expected to get underway in August and complete in the summer of 2026.

Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre has served the residents of Droitwich Spa for more than 25 years and it is the council’s ambition that the centre remains a valued and integral part of the community for many years to come. In its current form, the centre is limited in its capacity to support the swimming needs of the community. The single, 25 metre, main pool creates programming challenges and makes it difficult to accommodate the diverse needs of the community.

This will deliver a much-improved experience for users of Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre and ensure Wychavon boasts some of the best leisure facilities in the district and the country.

Cllr Dan Birch

Wychavon's Executive Board Member

Incorporating a dedicated learner pool will unlock potential to run a full programme of swimming lessons without disrupting the busy programme in the main pool that includes lane swimming, aqua classes and sessions that cater for those with sensory issues and other groups that use pool time for rehabilitation, recovery and treatment. The dedicated learner pool will also drive the expansion of engagement with local schools and families to improve community swim school provision, ensuring even more young people can develop swimming as a valuable life skill.

The new 8x12m learner pool will be housed in a building that will extend the leisure centre’s footprint and will also accommodate a new reception area and café. A dry link to the existing wet changing rooms will create a seamless user journey from check-in to pools.

Gillian Dunster, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, says;

Whilst the new leaner pool is the main addition in terms of facilities, we will also be carrying out extensive legacy works to modernise infrastructure and aesthetics throughout. The installation of air source heat pumps, comprehensive upgrade works to heating and ventilation systems, plus the installation of solar panels mounted to the roof of the new extension, will all improve energy efficiency. This will create a more environmentally sustainable facility that supports the council’s net zero by 2030 ambitions.

Wet and dry changes areas will be renovated whilst remodelling works will create three new flexible-use treatment rooms, served by a dedicated reception and waiting area, plus a new duty manager’s office.

The project is being funded by Wychavon District Council which, separate to this contract, is also upgrading the centre’s car park taking the total investment to £15 million.

Expanding Our Business Development Team with Two Strategic Appointments

Alliance Leisure is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Business Development Managers, Warren Tucker and Dave Spencer, as the company continues its steady growth across the UK leisure sector.

Warren Tucker joins the team covering the South East region under the leadership of Tom Fairey. With a distinguished career spanning roles at Sport England, The Jockey Club, and Continuum Sport and Leisure, Warren brings a wealth of experience in capital investment, strategic planning, and facility development. Most recently, he served as Capital Investment Manager at Sport England, where he led major projects across the country.

Dave Spencer will support the South West and Wales region, working with regional director Julia Goddard. With over 30 years in the leisure industry, Dave has held a variety of roles across both public and private sectors, including a standout tenure at the prestigious Harbour Club in Chelsea. His passion for improving lives through leisure and his deep operational knowledge make him a valuable addition to the Alliance Leisure team.

CEO Sarah Watts commented:

We’re thrilled to welcome Warren and Dave to Alliance Leisure. Their combined experience and passion for the industry align perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative, impactful community developments. As we continue to grow steadily, these appointments strengthen our ability to support local authorities across the UK and deliver exceptional projects.

These strategic hires reflect Alliance Leisure’s ongoing commitment to investing in talent and expanding its reach to meet increasing demand for its award-winning developments. To date, the company has delivered more than 280 leisure projects representing an investment value of over £460m.

Alliance Leisure Transforms Skegness Theatre Into A Scandinavian-Inspired Cultural Hub

Alliance Leisure Transforms Skegness Theatre Into a Scandinavian-Inspired Cultural Hub

The Embassy Theatre in Skegness has officially reopened its doors following the completion of a £4.1 million redevelopment designed to reimagine the much loved venue as one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture house concepts’.

Delivered by us through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure (DLL) the project has transformed the historic 1926 building into a modern, accessible and flexible use venue capable of hosting a wide range of year-round cultural activities, performances and community events.

Funded by the Skegness Towns Fund and Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund, the works support East Lindsey District Council’s ambition to increase participation in the arts, expanding opportunities for local people, particularly young people, to engage with culture in new and inspiring ways.

The works include major upgrades to the auditorium’s retractable seating system, an extension for new storage facilities to accommodate more ambitious productions and a remodelled entrance and multi-use space. A stylist Art Deco bar has also been installed and external improvements include a new seating area, enhanced changing rooms, enhanced signage, toilet facilities and a lift to improve inclusion and accessibility.

The Embassy Theatre will continue to be operated by Magna Vitae, a charitable trust and partner to East Lindsey District Council.

Seb Rowe, Delivery Manager, Alliance Leisure, says:

This model breaks new ground in the UK by adopting the Scandinavian Culture house approach, where spaces are designed for versatility, inclusivity and creativity. Working in collaboration with partners including Universal Construction, LK2 Architects and Axion Project Services, through the UK Framework, we have delivered a pioneering venue that balanced modern functionality with the rich heritage of the building. We are proud to have played a part in remodelling a historical building into a modern day cultural hub.

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Alliance Leisure delivers Clay Cross Active despite major construction setback

Alliance Leisure has successfully delivered a £26.3 million leisure and wellbeing hub for North East Derbyshire, overcoming significant challenges caused by the collapse of contractor ISG.

The project was temporarily paused when ISG, the original main contractor, went into administration in September 2024. Alliance Leisure worked swiftly to secure Universal Civils & Build to take over and complete construction works. The site was quickly made safe and construction restarted with minimal delay.

“Delivering a brand new community hub was always going to have its challenges, but when the main contractor suddenly went into administration halfway through the build, it could have meant the end of this scheme,” says Will Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure.

“It’s thanks to the dedication of our team, the strong collaboration between our partners and the flexibility of the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL), that we were able to act quickly, onboard a new contractor and deliver this transformational project for North East Derbyshire.”

Clay Cross Active replaces the outdated Sharley Park Leisure Centre. Designed by GT3 Architects, the low-carbon facility features sustainable technologies such as solar PV panels and air source heat pumps. Clay Cross Active combines health, fitness and wellbeing facilities with essential community services for the more than 20,000 local residents.

Facilities include a 100-station gym, immersive group cycling studio, four court sports hall in addition to a 25m swimming pool with six lanes, plus a learner pool with spectator seating. Designed with accessibility in mind, the changing village is supported by a Changing Places facility.

A wellness suite featuring a 10-station Innerva power-assisted equipment circuit caters for people of all fitness levels, particularly older adults, those who are less mobile, suffering from illness or who are undergoing rehabilitation.

Other facilities include soft play, a TAGactive indoor adventure play area, a treatment room, a multi-purpose room for community activities and a café with a viewing gallery for the swimming pool.

Gardner adds: “It’s also worth noting that we have been able to retain the original sports hall frame that we originally thought would need replacing. This has resulted in a 40 per cent saving on embodied carbon, good for the budget and great for the planet.”

As an integrated hub, NHS maternity clinics and services such as Citizens Advice are also operating from the centre.

Outside, the large park has been enhanced with new social areas, improved play equipment and a full size 3G floodlit pitch.

North East Derbyshire District Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Cllr Kathy Rouse, says: “The development is a key part of an on going £32m investment in leisure facilities across the district and also the Clay Cross Town Investment Plan, which will drive regeneration and community wellbeing across the area. Through co-locating leisure and community wellness services we aim to make it as easy as possible for people to access and benefit a wider range of facilities and services than they may otherwise engage with. The facilities look absolutely amazing and have been designed and built with sustainability and longevity in mind. This new addition to the community in Clay Cross will benefit many generations of residents.”

Clay Cross Active was one of several major leisure developments being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework that were affected by the sudden collapse of ISG. Despite the scale of disruption, Alliance Leisure successfully appointed new contractors and ensured every affected project was back on track within just 100 days.

The launch of Clay Cross Leisure Centre was marked by an official opening on 27^th June, attended by representatives from North East Derbyshire District Council, Alliance Leisure, the wider development team, plus main other community partners.

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Join us at Elevate 2024

Are you heading to Elevate this year? Our theme for this year’s event is ‘Looking into the future’, and we have teamed up with a number of suppliers and partners to showcase new products and share knowledge on current trends. Take a look at the opportunities below and get in touch here if you’ve got any questions or would like to arrange a time to meet up.

Say Hello 👋🏼 in the Networking Lounge

When: Wednesday 12^th June 10am-5pm

Where: VIP Networking Lounge

At this year’s show we are sponsoring the Networking Lounge in the centre of the exhibition. A number of our team will be in attendance where you can join us in our VIP area for a coffee and catch up, or take a walk around the exhibition together and see what’s happening in the industry. With a large number of partners attending the show this is a great opportunity to introduce you to some of the people we work with. No booking required, simply contact one of the team to arrange a time.

Debate | Future Trends in Fitness and Wellness

When: Wednesday 12^th June 12.40pm-1.40pm

Where: Debate Theatre

Content: Sarah Watts, CEO at Alliance Leisure, is joining colleagues from the industry, including David Minton (Leisure DB), Will Flint (Energym), Andy Reed (Sports Think Tank), Glen Thurgood (Huumans) and Kate Corfield (Ministry of Sound), to discuss how improving the health of the nation will take a collective effort >>> FIND OUT MORE

Tapas, Cocktails and Friends

When: Wednesday 12^th June 7pm-late

Where: Iberica Canary Wharf

Join us for a drink or three as we host a relaxed social event in Canary Wharf. This is ticket-only but please get in touch with one of the team if you would like to join us.

Round Table | What is sustainability anyway?

When: Thursday 13^th June 12pm-12.40pm

Where: Debate Theatre

Content: Our Commercial Director, James Foley, is chairing this panel discussing the drive to net zero in the fitness sector. James is joined by Keith Ashton from Space & Place, and Duncan Anderson, CEO at South Downs Leisure. The group will look at what sustainability really means, who should be driving it, and whether, as an industry, we are paying more than lip-service to measures to reduce our impact on the climate >>> FIND OUT MORE

Evolutionary Gym Design | Crafting spaces for the modern fitness customer

When: Thursday 13^th June 11.55am-12.35pm

Where: Generate Theatre

Content: Join Paul Woodford, our Strategic Engagement Director, for a forward-thinking exploration into the future of gym design, as he dissects the evolving needs and expectations of customers in 2024 and beyond. Paul is joined by industry experts Alan Davidson, Head of Sales at Jigsaw Fitness, Chris Scragg, Director of Operating Model at Nuffield Health, and Nichola McLachan, Health and Fitness Development Manager at North Lanarkshire Council >>>FIND OUT MORE

Free (extra strong) Coffee in the Networking Lounge

When: Thursday 13^th June 10am-5pm

Where: VIP Networking Lounge

And the show continues into its second day as we once again take our VIP seats in the networking lounge. You are welcome to join us for a free drink and meet some of the team that will be in attendance.

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Trowbridge Pupils Help Create Lasting Legacy at Time Capsule Event

Pupils from schools across Trowbridge have come together to bury a time capsule at the site of the town’s new leisure centre, capturing a snapshot of life in 2026 for future generations.

Find out more about how we work

Consultation Underway for New Community Stadium

Alliance Leisure are working on behalf of Warwick District Council on plans for a new community stadium at Myton Green.

Find out more about how we work

New Play Zone Brings More Family Fun to Evesham Leisure Centre

We are proud to have completed the transformation of a former climbing wall area at Evesham Leisure Centre into an exciting new family play zone, on behalf of Wychavon District Council and Wychavon Leisure.

Explore More of Our Projects

Trowbridge Leisure Centre Ready for Next Phase of Works

Construction of the new Trowbridge leisure centre has reached another major milestone, with the building now officially weather tight.

Find out more about how we work

Plans Progress for Transformation at Manor Leisure Centre

Validation of a planning application marks a key milestone in proposals to transform Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey into a modern, inclusive and sustainable community hub.

Find out more about how we work

Planning Granted To Extend Swimming Provision In Droitwich Spa

Wychavon District Council has been granted planning permission to push ahead with the £13 million pound regeneration of Droitwich Spa Leisure Centre.

Cllr Dan Birch

Expanding Our Business Development Team with Two Strategic Appointments

Alliance Leisure is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Business Development Managers, Warren Tucker and Dave Spencer, as the company continues its steady growth across the UK leisure sector.

Alliance Leisure Transforms Skegness Theatre Into a Scandinavian-Inspired Cultural Hub

The Embassy Theatre in Skegness has officially reopened its doors following the completion of a £4.1 million redevelopment designed to reimagine the much loved venue as one of the UK’s first Scandinavian-inspired ‘culture house concepts’.

View our other completed projects

Alliance Leisure delivers Clay Cross Active despite major construction setback

View our other completed projects

Say Hello 👋🏼 in the Networking Lounge

Debate | Future Trends in Fitness and Wellness

Tapas, Cocktails and Friends

Round Table | What is sustainability anyway?

Evolutionary Gym Design | Crafting spaces for the modern fitness customer

Free (extra strong) Coffee in the Networking Lounge

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