Work Underway on Leek’s Latest Levelling Up Project at the Nicholson Institute
We are excited to start work this month on the third levelling up funded project for Staffordshire Moorland District Council, as part of the multi-million pound regeneration of Leek town centre.
The Nicholson Institute is a Grade II* Listed building located within Leek Town Centre Conservation Area. Built in 1884, the building is currently used as a public library and museum. We are delighted to have been appointed to refurbish and repurpose the library and museum to offer cultural facilities fit for the future.
We completed the renovation of Leek’s market halls last year and are currently delivering the £17m redevelopment of Brough Park Leisure Centre. The Nicholson Institute is the third and final part of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s regeneration of Leek town centre. Together, these projects form a shared vision that celebrates the town’s identity, strengthens its cultural offer and creates welcoming spaces for the local community.
Gareth Liversedge, Delivery Manager, said:
The Nicholson Institute is another key asset for Leek town centre. This £3.8m project will revitalise and optimise the landmark building to improve the user experience and create a more viable future for the site. This scheme, together with the Market Halls and Brough Park Leisure Centre developments, will deliver economic, health and wellbeing benefits for the local community.
The project includes essential repairs and upgrades to improve the fabric and functionality of the historic building. Works will include roof repairs, the remodelling of the main entrance and the addition of a fully accessible WC on the lower ground floor. The outdated library will be revitalised with new flooring and finishes, while the museum will be redeveloped to create a more accessible and engaging experience for visitors.
The project will also deliver significant carbon savings through a number of energy efficiency measures including the installation of LED lighting and upgraded radiator controls to optimise energy use.
Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, at the District Council, said:
The improvements we’re carrying out will sympathetically modernise and enhance this historic building whilst respecting its heritage.
It’s set to be an asset we can all be proud of and will be yet another fantastic visitor attraction that will encourage even more people to come and visit us in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands.
This project, which was procured through the UK Leisure Framework (owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd), includes a strong project team with main contractor Speller Metcalfe, architects Roberts Limbrick and project managers Abacus.
The project is due to complete in July 2026 and we look forward to sharing further updates along the way.
