Articles Tagged with: leisure industry

Major Milestone Reached at £28.9m Bishop Auckland Leisure Hub

Construction of Bishop Auckland’s new £28.9 million leisure centre and library has reached a major milestone, with the main structure in place, water testing of the pool tanks completed and the scale of the new community facility clearly visible.

Alliance Leisure is proud to be delivering the landmark development on behalf of Durham County Council. The new centre, which will replace the ageing Woodhouse Leisure Complex, is a key project within the Council’s ambitious Leisure Transformation Programme and has been designed to meet the needs of local residents, with facilities for people of all ages and abilities.

The centre will feature a 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, a 20-metre teaching pool with movable floor technology, a state-of-the-art fitness suite, two group exercise studios, an adventure play area and café. It will also include Durham County Council’s fourth Move Hub, providing power-assisted exercise equipment to support rehabilitation, strength and mobility.

Alongside the leisure facilities, the development will incorporate an integrated library, community spaces, outdoor activity areas and a community garden. Together, these facilities will create a vibrant community hub where residents can be active, connect with others and access a range of services in one accessible destination.

By bringing physical activity, learning, wellbeing and community services together under one roof, the new centre is designed in line with the council’s ambition to make it easier for residents to access support, stay active and take part in community life. The integrated approach will create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect, participate and improve their health and wellbeing, while helping to strengthen the role of the centre as a focal point for the wider community.

The environment has been a key consideration throughout the design and construction process. The fully-electric building is targeting a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and will incorporate air source heat pumps and renewable energy technologies to reduce its environmental impact and help minimise long-term operating costs.

James Foley, Commercial Director at Alliance Leisure, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the vision for Bishop Auckland becoming a reality. The development has reached an exciting stage where the community can now see the scale and quality of the facility taking shape. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working and a shared commitment to improving health, wellbeing and community outcomes.”

Cllr Joe Quinn, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for planning, investment and assets, said:

“We have made a significant commitment to invest across our leisure facilities and the new build development in Bishop Auckland is the latest project as part of the transformation programme. Reaching an important milestone in construction adds to the excitement ahead of our planned opening next year.

“We know how important the Woodhouse Close facility is to the community and we are really pleased to build on that offer and bring such a positive development forward. Bringing together leisure and library services alongside other community facilities will help us meet our aims to create modern and accessible facilities and encourage more residents to engage with our activities and live healthier lives.”

The project has been procured through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), with Alliance Leisure leading the delivery. The wider project team includes Morgan Sindall Construction as Principal Contractor, GT3 Architects, TGA Consulting Engineers, DPP Planning, Bellrock providing Project and Cost Management and Summers Inman as Principal Designer (CDM). Max Associates also supported the project during its early stages, providing business planning expertise.

Our Engagement team are working closely with the council to support ongoing communications, branding, internal signage and launch marketing.

The project is supported by funding from Sport England and forms part of Durham County Council’s wider investment in modern, accessible public leisure facilities across County Durham.

Construction will continue through 2026, before fit-out, commissioning and testing take place ahead of the centre’s planned opening in Summer 2027.

Alliance Leisure Celebrates Opening of New MyActive Leek Leisure Facility

The doors have officially opened to MyActive Leek, marking the completion of a major £17 million redevelopment project delivered by Alliance Leisure on behalf of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Formerly known as Brough Park Leisure Centre, the transformed facility has been officially unveiled following an extensive redevelopment programme that forms part of the wider Levelling Up regeneration of Leek town centre. Created to support healthier lifestyles, improve accessibility and deliver long-term community value, the new centre significantly expands the town’s health, wellbeing and leisure provision.

The project has been funded by £10 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, alongside over £3 million from the council. Sport England has also contributed £1.8 million plus an extra £300K from its Active Environment Budget used to transform external spaces, creating new outdoor play, outdoor fitness, pétanque courts. A further £1.1 million has been secured via the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The investment has transformed the former facility into a modern, energy efficient health and wellbeing hub tailored to the evolving needs of the local community

Among the centre’s most innovative additions is a new multipurpose activity and entertainment space centred around a state-of-the-art golf simulator. Introduced following a strong business case developed by Alliance Leisure during the latter stages of the project, the space has been created to attract new audiences while providing a flexible community venue capable of hosting sensory sessions, film screenings, interactive games, parties and corporate activities.

The new facility broadens the centre’s appeal to a wider demographic, including families, young people, older adults and individuals with additional needs. Importantly, it also addresses a gap in local provision, with no comparable leisure-based golf simulator facilities currently operating in the area.

Alongside the new entertainment space, the upgraded centre features a new 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool alongside a separate teaching pool, a 60-station gym, a group cycling studio, a second fitness studio and a Future Studio immersive fitness installation by Flareform, delivering immersive workout experiences.

A new Community Wellness Suite, featuring an EGYM Strength Series circuit, has also been introduced to support exercise referral programmes and tailored physical activity interventions for people living with long-term health conditions or requiring additional support to become more active.

The family offer has been significantly enhanced through the addition of a large indoor adventure soft play area, dedicated party facilities and fully accessible changing provision, including a Changing Places facility.

Sustainability has also been central to the redevelopment. The project has converted the centre into an all-electric facility, replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps and introducing energy-saving measures including LED lighting throughout, improved building fabric and rooftop solar panels capable of generating approximately 42kW of renewable energy. Together, the improvements will significantly reduce the building’s long-term carbon emissions and operational energy consumption.

Will Gardner, Assistant Regional Director at Alliance Leisure, says:

The opening of MyActive Leek is a hugely significant moment for the local community and a fantastic example of what can be achieved through strong collaboration and long-term investment in public leisure infrastructure.

This development has completely transformed the former facility into a modern, inclusive and highly sustainable community wellbeing hub that will support residents of all ages and abilities. From the expanded swimming and fitness offer to the innovative golf simulator and wellness facilities, every aspect of the centre has been carefully considered to encourage more people to be active, improve wellbeing and create lasting community impact.

We delivered the project through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. The wider project team included contractor Speller Metcalfe, architect Roberts Limbrick, FMG consultants, Hensall and Abacus providing project and cost management together with principal designer role.

Rob Lashford, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, adds:

It’s fantastic to see MyActive Leek officially open and ready to serve the community. Working with Alliance Leisure on behalf of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, we’re proud to have delivered the construction of a facility that will make a real difference to local people for years to come. The transformation of the former leisure centre is remarkable and reflects the significant investment being made in Leek and its future.

Building on our strong relationship with Alliance Leisure, and following our work together on projects including Leek Market Hall and the ongoing Nicholson Institute redevelopment, we’re delighted to have played our part in delivering another landmark project for the town.

In addition to delivering the redevelopment works, we supported the council in the creation and rollout of the new MyActive brand, which has now been implemented across all seven leisure facilities managed by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and High Peak Borough Council. Working through our specialist Insight and Engagement team, we also developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing and engagement strategy designed to maximise awareness of the new facilities and encourage residents of all ages and abilities to visit.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, says:

Working with Alliance Leisure and drawing on the team’s extensive leisure development expertise, we have created a facility that truly reflects the needs of the community whilst also establishing a sustainable commercial model capable of generating income across multiple revenue streams.

The energy-saving improvements also support the council’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, while the opening of MyActive Leek represents another major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Leek town centre. It’s a game-changer in terms of leisure and sporting facilities supporting the health and wellbeing of the community and we are absolutely delighted that people across the Moorlands can now come and enjoy their fantastic new centre.

Chris Kent from Roberts Limbrick architects comments:

MyActive Leek reflects a strong and successful collaboration between our sport and leisure, landscape and interiors teams, working alongside the council, Alliance Leisure and Sport England. This coordinated approach created a welcoming, much improved and inclusive facility with a consistent identity, supported by bespoke brand guidelines and interior fitout. The enhanced external space has been shaped by Sport England’s Active Environments initiative, with the landscape encouraging activity, play and social connection for people of all ages.

Works underway at Troon Leisure Club for South Ayrshire Council

Works underway at Troon Leisure Club

We are pleased to announce that works on the upgrade and extension of Troon Leisure Club for South Ayrshire Council are underway.

A ceremony was held at the facility on Monday 9th February to mark the commencement of these improvements, which will combine retained refurbished and new-build elements to provide:

• A new fitness gym and multi-functional studio
• New building frontage, entrance, reception and circulation area
• A refurbished wet changing area
• A new dry changing area
• New baby change facilities, accessible changing and toilet provision
• Alterations to external parking, access and landscaping arrangements

This project has been procured through the UK Leisure Framework, which is managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), and is on track for completion in the Spring of 2027. The project team includes Thomas Johnstone, Axiom Project Services, Holmes Miller, Struer and Wallace Whittle.

Find out more information on the project here.

Jo Cameron, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure, said:

By working with trusted, Scotland-based partners, we’re ensuring the Troon Leisure Club upgrade is delivered with local insight and expertise. Together, we’re creating a sustainable, future-ready facility that supports health, wellbeing and social connection across the whole community, and we’re really pleased to see work underway.

South Ayrshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Policy Lead for Commercial/Operational Services, Councillor Alec Clark, said:

I’m pleased that works to modernise and expand Troon Leisure Centre are underway. This is the latest in a series of upgrades we’re making across our Sport and Leisure facilities in South Ayrshire, showing our commitment to investing in and improving our services.

Frank Foy, Project Director at Thomas Johnstone Ltd, said

This project brings together a strong team with a shared focus on quality, coordination and long-term value. As works get underway, our role as main contractor draws on our specialist experience in delivering building extensions and refurbishments within live environments. We’re pleased to be working closely with Alliance Leisure once again, alongside South Ayrshire Council, to deliver a well-considered solution for the local community.

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

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.

Alliance Leisure Appointed to Deliver Landmark £20.5 million Leisure Centre in Deal

We are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by Dover District Council to lead the end-to-end project delivery of a brand-new, multi-million-pound leisure centre in Deal.

Following planning approval, work is now gathering pace to replace the ageing Tides Leisure Centre, built in the 1980s, with a new facility designed around today’s lifestyles and tomorrow’s ambitions. Backed by a £20.5 million investment from Dover District Council, the new centre will deliver modern, energy-efficient facilities that inspire active living and bring the community together.

The development proposal features a six-lane swimming pool, toddler splash pad, fully equipped gym, two multi-use studios, a group cycling studio, an Innerva studio with power-assisted equipment and a bright café hub, ideal for relaxing and refuelling. Accessibility sits at the heart of the design, with a Changing Places facility and new pool platform lift ensuring the centre welcomes and caters for everyone.

The sports hall and tennis centre from the original building will be retained.

The new centre will also be built with energy efficiency at the forefront of the design, including air source heat pumps, roof-mounted solar panels and energy-saving LED lighting throughout.

Demolition of the existing Tides pool and reception area is already completed, with construction of the new facility due to begin later this year. The new centre is expected to be fully operational in summer 2027.

This project has been procured through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, and we are supported by a team of sector specialists including Pellikaan Construction, GT3 Architects, Hadron Consulting, CGP, Engenuiti and Southern Green.

Steve Winter-Rose, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, said:

By employing a delivery team of leisure specialists, we are ensuring that expertise, efficiency and creativity flow through the entire build.

Over the last 25 years, Alliance has worked with councils across the UK to deliver hundreds of leisure projects, from community pump tracks and 3G pitches to major new-build facilities. Every project benefits from the learnings of the past, helping us to deliver unique environments that are resilient, efficient and designed to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve.

Leisure centres are the heartbeat of any community. When Deal’s new centre opens in 2027, it will give local people a place to be proud of, a place that inspires movement, connection and wellbeing for generations to come.

Matt McCreith, Senior Architect at GT3, said:

We’re delighted to be working with Alliance Leisure on another key community project. Inspired by the much-loved existing centre, we’ve worked closely with stakeholders to carry forward its warmth and character, while creating a modern, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

We want the new building to be the cornerstone that ties the existing tennis centre and sports hall elements together; our clear circulation journey knits new and existing, with a strong focus on providing accessible facilities and flexible areas for fitness, social activity, and wellbeing. The new Deal Leisure Centre will provide a state of the art, broader offer to the community.

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

We look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.

Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre Unveils Newly Completed Spin Studio

We are pleased to announce the completion of the new purpose-built spin studio at Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, Edinburgh. The studio was delivered in just six weeks, and the centre remained fully operational throughout the build.

The £246,000 project has transformed the centre’s underused lower-floor social area into a state-of-the-art spin studio, providing a new home for Edinburgh Leisure’s popular indoor cycling programme. The new studio features advanced lighting and sound systems for motivating indoor cycling classes including Les Mills Sprint and RPM.

The completion of the spin studio means that, for the first time since the centre reopened after COVID-19 lockdowns, Edinburgh Leisure can reinstate its full group cycling timetable. This is a major step forward in meeting the demand from members due to the huge popularity of the classes and enables Edinburgh Leisure to continue to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.

The project was procured through the UK Leisure Framework (owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd) and delivery was carried out by a team of selected Scottish specialists:

Lead contractor: Thomas Johnstone Ltd
Architect: Wellwood Leslie Architects
AV/lighting installation: Hutchi
Mechanical-electrical consultancy: Wallace Whittle
Principal design oversight: ABT Safety
Project management and quantity surveying: Axiom Project Services

Jo Cameron, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure, said:

The new spin studio at Craiglockhart is a great example of how targeted, efficient investment can rapidly deliver high-quality leisure infrastructure. The project benefited from a trusted team of Scottish delivery partners and a collaborative approach that ensured it was completed on time and on budget. It’s fantastic to see the positive impact that even a relatively small-scale project can have for a local community.

Kirsty Stobie, Manager at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, said:

Since reopening post-COVID, cycle classes were temporarily held in the sports hall due to space and ventilation limitations in the previous studio. While this allowed classes to continue, the atmosphere wasn’t quite what customers deserved. The new studio offers a truly immersive experience that will take our cycle classes to the next level. It’s been a real team effort, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy it.

Working in collaboration with Alliance Leisure, the former lower social area in the tennis centre has been transformed into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art cycle studio featuring advanced audio and lighting systems.

This immersive environment promises to elevate the popular cycle programme and reintroduce evening classes, giving members more flexibility and a significantly enhanced experience.

Steel Framework Takes Shape at Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub

Steel framework installation has now begun at the site of the new Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub, marking a major milestone in the construction of this flagship community facility.

The first sections form part of the new sports hall, with further framework to follow in the coming weeks as the development continues to progress.

Once complete in 2027, the hub will bring together sport, fitness, wellbeing and community spaces under one roof, creating a modern, inclusive environment designed to support active and healthy lifestyles for residents across the borough.

We are delivering this exciting project alongside contractor Morgan Sindall and architect Watson Batty, with Hadron Consulting overseeing project management.

The project was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL) and the £38 million investment is being delivered through a combination of funding, including £20 million from the UK Government. The project has been developed as part of the Council’s ambitious Place Shaping programme and supports the Sport and Active Recreation Strategy 2019–2029, which aims to transform facilities and opportunities for residents.

Gillian Dunster, Business Development Manager at Alliance Leisure, said:

The progress on site is fantastic to see. Reaching this milestone is a great way to round off the year and brings us even closer to providing a modern, inclusive hub that the whole community can be proud of.

Cllr Chris Morgan, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said:

It’s fantastic to see the steel framework taking shape on site. This is an exciting step forward and a clear sign of the progress being made on a project that will deliver state-of-the-art facilities and long-term benefits for the community.

The Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub will feature a six-lane 25 metre swimming pool with flumes, splash features, a TAGactive arena, adventure play area, multi-purpose sports hall, health suite, café, community hub, fitness studios and an Innerva suite for inclusive fitness.

We look forward to sharing further progress updates in the New Year.

Grantham Meres Leisure Centre Sets Benchmark for Net Zero Leisure Facilities

South Kesteven District Council is moving towards more sustainable leisure facilities in the UK with the launch of a Net Zero Pod at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.

Delivered in partnership with leisure development specialists Alliance Leisure and renewable energy specialist Leisure Energy, the £4 million project utilises air source heat pump technology to dramatically reduce operational costs, boost efficiency and cut carbon emissions.

Replacing the leisure centre’s gas boilers, the Net Zero Pod is a sector leading example of a pioneering application of Air Source Heat Pump Technology within a stand-alone external acoustic packaged plant room. The air-to-water NZP has been uniquely designed for use within a leisure and swimming pool environment and is installed as a complete unit ready to be connected to the existing system. Alongside the pod there is an evaporator fan deck housing fan units. The pod will be built off-site to the required specifications at Leisure Energy’s Technology Centre in Kidderminster and transported to the leisure centre.

Unique benefits of the net zero pod include ease of installation and commissioning at the leisure centre, the use of a natural refrigerant, CO₂, with a low global warming potential of 1and the ability to deliver a Seasonal Co-efficient of Performance (sCOP) of above 4 or 400%. This means that in terms of efficiency for every one unit of energy the heat pumps use, it can produce at least 4 units of heat. As a comparison gas boilers run at only 70 to 94% efficiency levels, whilst also producing greater carbon emissions.

Sensors and energy valves are installed in the leisure centre and within the NZP; these communicate with the NZP controls platform which allows for accurate system monitoring and management. The benefits include a rapid response to changes in site demand and weather conditions. Furthermore, the increased visibility of the health and performance of the system means that preventative maintenance can be performed if required.

The innovative solution is expected to reduce the centre’s carbon emissions by more than 550 tonnes a year, helping the council to meet its target of cutting emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.

South Kesteven District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker, says:

Heating and electricity costs for Grantham Meres Leisure Centre are substantial. And just like household bills, they have gone up significantly since 2021.

This low-carbon heating system has been a major project for us. We wanted to design and install a modern, efficient, and cost-effective system to replace gas boilers that were well past their best. They needed regular repair and were getting more and more expensive to run.

Installing this heating system will dramatically lower the centre’s energy bills, reduce its carbon footprint and help meet the council’s target of reducing emissions by 30% by 2030.

It is another significant investment in the district’s leisure facilities in general, and in Grantham Meres leisure centre in particular. By acting early and looking to the future, we are helping secure Grantham Mere’s sustainability, and committing to high-quality, affordable leisure facilities for residents.

The project is part-funded through the government’s Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 3c, with investment from South Kesteven District Council.

Alliance Delivery Manager, Seb Rowe, said:

This project is a shining example of how public-private partnerships can drive innovation to address climate change and improve community infrastructure. South Kesteven District Council is demonstrating that leisure facilities can not only serve public health and wellbeing but also fight climate change.

Mike Worsnop, Strategic Director at Leisure Energy commented

Leisure Energy are extremely proud to working with South Kesteven District Council on the installation of energy saving technology at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre. Our Net Zero Pod will assist the facility to lower utility bills and it’s carbon footprint, whilst providing a centre for generations to use.

Work begins on site at the end of June 2025, with the project due to complete in the spring of 2026.

The scheme follows the installation of 574 solar panels at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre after South Kesteven District Council secured a £399,000 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. The Fund was created to help local authorities address the rising costs of operating public swimming facilities. Leisure Energy acted as Principal Contractor and Designer for the installation of the panels.

Construction to start on £27.3 million flagship leisure centre in Bishop Auckland

Construction starts on £27.3m Flagship Leisure Centre in Bishop Auckland

This summer sees the start of work on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland for Durham County Council. The flagship development is the first new build project in the council’s ambitious Leisure Transformation Programme.

The new centre replaces Woodhouse Leisure Complex, which at more than 50 years old, is the oldest facility in the council’s leisure portfolio. This is the fifth scheme to be delivered by the Council’s leisure development partners Alliance Leisure, following the refurbishments of Consett Leisure Centre (2022), Abbey Leisure Centre and Peterlee Leisure Centre in 2023, and the Louisa Centre in 2024.

Funded by the council, the project is supported with £2.5 million from Sport England and closely aligns with its priorities placing health, wellbeing and physical activity at the heart of improving living standards and connecting communities.

Bishop Auckland is among the most deprived wards in County Durham. Across the county, 33% of residents live in the top 20% most deprived areas in England. Almost 39% of adults are classified as inactive, while over half of children and young people fail to meet CMO physical activity guidelines.

The project is part of our leisure transformation programme to modernise leisure facilities across the county as well as our ongoing regeneration of the town. The new venue will bring leisure and library services together in a single, modern site with new features to make our services accessible to all ages and abilities and support community wellbeing.

Cllr Joe Quinn

Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets

The new Bishop Auckland leisure centre has been designed to address these challenges by providing modern, inclusive facilities that encourage physical activity for all ages and abilities. And by incorporating a public library in the development means the centre will be a true community hub combining leisure, health, education and skills under one roof.

The new facility will include a 25m, six-lane main pool and a 20m four-lane teaching pool with moveable floors for maximum flexibility as well as a large gym and two group exercise studios. It will also feature the council’s fourth Move Hub, a power-assisted exercise studio equipped by Innerva for people who need support to improve strength and mobility, including those recovering from health conditions.

An adventure play area will help promote physical literacy, confidence and social development in children, while the café will offer a space for families, friends and the whole community to relax and socialise.

The integrated public library and community space will provide opportunities for learning, cultural events and programmes. An outdoor active area and community garden complete the project.

Architecturally, the centre has been designed with pitched roofs and large windows to maximise natural light and blend with the local environment. Targeting a BREEAM Very Good rating, the building will be fully electric, utilising air source heat pumps and renewable energy systems to minimise costs and futureproof the facility.

The project team includes Morgan Sindall (contractor), Axiom (project management), DPP (planning consultancy) and GT3 Architects (lead designers). The project was procured through the UK Leisure Framework, managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

The Bishop Auckland project marks an exciting new chapter in our long-standing partnership with Durham County Council. Building on the success of previous regeneration projects, this flagship development brings together health, wellbeing, culture and learning in one modern, inclusive and sustainable space. I’m proud of the Alliance Leisure team and our partners for their continued innovation and commitment to creating facilities that truly reflect community needs and support Sport England’s priorities.

James Foley

Commercial Director

Construction Begins on £44.5m Kingston Leisure Centre

Construction work has officially begun on the new Kingston Leisure Centre, a major £44.5 million investment that will deliver a modern, community-focused facility whilst also being a regeneration catalyst in the heart of Kingston town centre.

Led by the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, the project marks a significant milestone in the borough’s long-term vision to enhance wellbeing, connectivity and inclusivity through high-quality, sustainable public infrastructure.

Following final committee approval in March, work is now underway to deliver a modern, accessible, and environmentally responsible leisure destination. The new facility is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Construction specialists Pellikaan have been appointed as the main contractor, working alongside architects Roberts Limbrick and project managers, Hadron Consulting.

Cllr Alison Holt, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Leisure, says:

I am delighted we’ve reached this moment. This is a significant point in the journey and I’d like to thank all involved for getting us here. We know it’s taken longer than we wanted after plans had to be revisited, but it’s great to get going today on what will be a huge addition to the borough.

Residents told us what they wanted to see, and we are now in the exciting position of being able to deliver on that vision. The new centre meets the needs of our communities as well as helping us to deliver on our sustainability targets, improving a key site in the town centre and creating additional public and play spaces for all to enjoy.

The new Kingston Leisure Centre will include a 25m, 8-lane main pool with moveable floor, a 20m learner pool with interactive splash zone, health suite with sauna and steam room, 150-station gym, group cycling studio, three activity studios, four-court sports hall, squash courts, soft play, and a café. The scheme also delivers a significant uplift to the surrounding public realm, with enhanced landscaping, new pedestrian routes and an improved play area and wildflower meadows.

Tom Fairey, Development Director at Alliance Leisure, comments:

This is the largest project we’ve ever delivered through the UK Leisure Framework. With a clear brief from the council to deliver the highest quality facilities within a carefully managed budget, we’ve brought together a team with a proven track record of success. We’re delighted to be moving into construction and look forward to seeing the building begin to take shape.

The new centre has been carefully designed to respect and complement neighbouring heritage assets, including the listed Museum and Library buildings. The facility is expected to open to the public in Spring 2027.

Discover what the finished centre will look like in this flythrough video:

Natalie Gibson appointed Head of Insight at Alliance Leisure

Natalie Gibson Appointed as Head of Insight at Alliance Leisure

Alliance Leisure is delighted to announce the appointment of Natalie Gibson to the newly created role of Head of Insight. This strategic hire enhances the company’s ability to deliver high quality analysis and intelligence, empowering Alliance Leisure and its clients to optimise performance and deliver measurable impact.

Natalie brings with her 25 years of experience gained whilst working at Leisure DB in the role of Key Accounts and Insights Manager. Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in transforming how leisure operators access and harness data to guide strategy, shape investment, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Strategic Engagement Director, Paul Woodford, says:

There are few people in our sector with Natalie’s depth of expertise in data capture, analysis and, crucially, application. In today’s data-rich world, the value isn’t in access, it’s in the interpretation and application. Natalie has built her career and reputation on helping organisations turn data into insight, and insight into action. Her appointment marks an important milestone in our mission to add value to our clients and deliver successful projects.

Reporting directly to Paul Woodford, Natalie will lead the development of Alliance Leisure’s insight function. Her remit includes, but is not limited to, the development of opportunity analyses, demand modelling, benchmarking, and stakeholder engagement. She will also oversee improvements to Alliance Leisure’s internal measurement and benchmarking systems, streamlining project management and workflow efficiency.

Natalie adds:

Leisure DB has been my professional home for many years, so it wasn’t an easy decision to move on. It was always going to take an exceptional opportunity to tempt me away and I feel that this role with Alliance Leisure is exactly that. I’m incredibly grateful to David Minton and the team for all their support over the years but now it is time for a new challenge.

Joining Alliance Leisure, a company renowned for its progressive, results-driven culture, feels like the perfect next chapter for me. I’m delighted to be joining the Alliance Leisure team where I can continue to play my part in shaping the future of data-driven decision-making within the leisure sector.

Natalie will take up her new role on June 30.

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Major Milestone Reached at £28.9m Bishop Auckland Leisure Hub

Major Milestone Reached at £28.9m Bishop Auckland Leisure Hub

Construction of Bishop Auckland’s new £28.9 million leisure centre and library has reached a major milestone, with the main structure in place, water testing of the pool tanks completed and the scale of the new community facility clearly visible.

Alliance Leisure Celebrates Opening of New MyActive Leek Leisure Facility

Alliance Leisure Celebrates Opening of New MyActive Leek Leisure Facility

The doors have officially opened to MyActive Leek, marking the completion of a major £17 million redevelopment project delivered by Alliance Leisure on behalf of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Works underway at Troon Leisure Club for South Ayrshire Council

Works underway at Troon Leisure Club

Alliance Leisure Appointed to Deliver Landmark £20.5 million Leisure Centre in Deal

Alliance Leisure Appointed to Deliver Landmark £20.5 million Leisure Centre in Deal

We are delighted to announce that we have been appointed by Dover District Council to lead the end-to-end project delivery of a brand-new, multi-million-pound leisure centre in Deal.

Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre Unveils Newly Completed Spin Studio

Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre Unveils Newly Completed Spin Studio

We are pleased to announce the completion of the new purpose-built spin studio at Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, Edinburgh. The studio was delivered in just six weeks, and the centre remained fully operational throughout the build.

Steel Framework Takes Shape at Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub

Steel Framework Takes Shape at Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub

Steel framework installation has now begun at the site of the new Caerphilly Leisure and Wellbeing Hub, marking a major milestone in the construction of this flagship community facility.

Grantham Meres Leisure Centre Sets Benchmark for Net Zero Leisure Facilities

Grantham Meres Leisure Centre Sets Benchmark for Net Zero Leisure Facilities

South Kesteven District Council is moving towards more sustainable leisure facilities in the UK with the launch of a Net Zero Pod at Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.

Construction to start on £27.3 million flagship leisure centre in Bishop Auckland

Construction starts on £27.3m Flagship Leisure Centre in Bishop Auckland

This summer sees the start of work on a new £27.3 million leisure centre in Bishop Auckland for Durham County Council. The flagship development is the first new build project in the council’s ambitious Leisure Transformation Programme.

Cllr Joe Quinn

James Foley

Construction Begins on £44.5m Kingston Leisure Centre

Construction Begins on £44.5m Kingston Leisure Centre

Construction work has officially begun on the new Kingston Leisure Centre, a major £44.5 million investment that will deliver a modern, community-focused facility whilst also being a regeneration catalyst in the heart of Kingston town centre.

Natalie Gibson appointed Head of Insight at Alliance Leisure

Natalie Gibson Appointed as Head of Insight at Alliance Leisure

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