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Alliance Leisure

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About us
Alliance Leisure works with Local Authorities, Trusts and leisure operators to deliver transformational projects that create engaging active environments and support healthy, happy, and prosperous communities. Projects range from £100k to £20m+. In addition to development works, award- winning Alliance Leisure also supports leisure operators across the UK in the promotion of their facilities and services through its marketing and training brand TA6. TA6 is focused on creating sustainable revenue streams, investing in staff development and improving the health of local communities.

Product range and services
Alliance Leisure are the go-to leisure developer for UK-based operators looking to expand, refurbish or build new leisure facilities. Through comprehensive research and feasibility studies, Alliance Leisure creates active environments that directly address the needs of the community they service; replacing or transforming tired, under-utilised leisure facilities into thriving, energy efficient technology- driven activity hubs that engage all ages and abilities has become a kitemark of the leisure developer. Alliance Leisure is the appointed delivery partner for the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure. The UK Leisure Framework is the only Framework in the UK dedicated to leisure development and provides an end-to-end solution for public sector bodies looking to scope, precure, design and build sustainable leisure facilities, taking advantage of effi ciencies and expertise at every level of the supply chain. Alliance Leisure is an environmentally responsible company.
Plans for the next 12 months
Our company goal as we emerge from the pandemic is to stand side-by-side with partners and not just help the sector recover but truly thrive. We are constantly innovating and are currently exploring new activities, alongside best in class health, leisure and wellbeing solutions. We are committed to continuing to measure the social value created across our developments and use the National Themes Outcomes and Measures (TOMs) Framework.
Key personnel
Sarah Watts, ceo
Paul Cluett, managing director
James Foley, commercial director
Tom Fairey, development director
Paul Woodford, strategic engagement director
John Leaver, marketing & frameworks director
Julia Goddard, senior business development manager
Jonny Curley, senior business development manager
Key customers
Local Authorities
Leisure Trusts
Universities and Colleges
Testimonial
"Over the coming years, Denbighshire Leisure will continue to work with Alliance Leisure, breaking down investment barriers to ensure communities across the UK have access to the facilities they need to live more active, health and prosperous lives."
– Jamie Groves, managing director at Denbighshire Leisure
updates & press releases
14 Mar 2024
Construction begins On £12 million sports village in Clayton-Le-Moors
On Wednesday 13 March 2024, Councillors and Officers from Hyndburn Borough Council met with Alliance Leisure and members of the ISG construction team to celebrate the start of works on the new, state-of-the-art, leisure and sports complex on Wilson Playing Fields in Clayton-le-Moors.

Funded by Hyndburn Borough Council as part of the borough’s leisure transformation plans and developed by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, when complete, facilities will include a four-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, a fitness suite, sauna & steam room, group exercise studio, café, large changing village and dedicated changing facilities to service teams making use of the various outdoor sports facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Councillor Marlene Haworth, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council, says: “It is very fitting that these significant development works fall in the 50th anniversary year for the dedication of Wilson Playing Fields, ensuring the location will remain at the heart of the community’s active leisure and wellbeing provision for many years to come.

“It’s fantastic to finally see a spade in the ground. This development reflects the council’s commitment to placing the health and wellbeing of our community at the heart of our ongoing strategy. In addition to creating new indoor active opportunities for everyone in the community, the building will add-value to the existing outdoor facilities to create a leisure hub like no other in the local vicinity.”

In addition to the many social, health and wellbeing benefits Wilson’s Sports Village will deliver to the community, the new building will also optimise energy efficiencies. Air source heat pumps, solar panels and the utilisation of the very latest Low and Zero Carbon Technologies will all support the council’s carbon reduction strategy and ambitions to achieve net zero.

Speaking of the development, Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, says: “We have assembled a brilliant team with vast experience in leisure development to deliver this project. Partners include; principal contractor ISG with lead design delivery by Pozzoni architects. Bradshaw, Gass & Hope will contribute the structural design requirements and CGP MEP the MEP design. Together we will build a facility that provides an energy efficient sporting hub for the community to enjoy for many generations.”

Works are being delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Limited (DLL), in full consultation with Hyndburn Borough Council, supported by Hyndburn Leisure and Sport England.

Works got underway in February 2024 with Wilson’s Sports Village expected to fully open to the public in the Spring of 2025.

Martin Bransby, Director, Pozzoni, says: “Pozzoni are absolutely delighted to be part of the design team delivering this new facility at Wilson Playing Fields. The centre will provide much needed high quality wet and dry sports facilities for the wider community. Every effort has been made to make this project as universally accessible as possible, and will be a showcase of how good design, tight planning and modest budget can achieve maximum impact for all users.

For more information about Alliance Leisure visit: allianceleisure.co.uk. For regular development updates, visit the Hyndburn Borough Council website, hyndburnbc.gov.uk.
06 Mar 2024
Alliance Leisure elevates Sport Wales National Centre with gym refurbishments
Alliance Leisure has completed the refurbishment of two gym spaces at Sport Wales National Centre to enhance the workout experience at the home of Welsh sport, with more Sport Wales-funded projects underway, including the country’s first interactive squash court.

Working with Orbit 4, which redesigned the cardio and freeweights rooms, the £250,000 project at Sport Wales National Centre involved a complete overhaul of both spaces including the installation of new equipment, flooring and full redecoration throughout. The team worked with Sport Wales to ensure the layout of both spaces reflects the member journey and addresses the unique needs of their 800 members.

The creative team at Alliance Leisure’s marketing agency, TA6, also provided vibrant new graphics and branding for the space aligning to the Sport Wales brand.

Gillian Dunster, Alliance Leisure Business Development Manager, said: “This tailored and impactful project is already delivering benefits to members and is testament to the fact that enhancing member experiences doesn’t always require investments running to millions of pounds. By actively listening to customers and gaining a deep understanding of their needs, you can optimise spaces to serve members better to retain them for longer.”

Alliance Leisure is working on a number of other Sport Wales-funded projects. Part of more than £3m worth of funding, the projects will improve community sports facilities and leisure centres across Wales in the next few months. They include new floodlighting for 3G and 2G pitches at Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern. Completing in March, the installation will allow the pitches to be used by local schools and the public outside of daylight hours.

A new sports hall floor at Holyhead Leisure Centre will ensure continued safe use for classes, clubs, competitions as well as the wider community when it completes in April. Finally, a PRAMA studio is planned for Prestatyn Leisure Centre for Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. Expected to start on site this summer, the immersive circuit training programme combines music, lighting, interactive walls and flooring to offer more than 2,500 unique workouts. The new studio will form part of a wider scheme that also includes a clip ‘n climb facility and the first interactive squash court in Wales offering immersive projection graphics and exciting video-game-style play to transform the game into a completely new sports experience.
08 Feb 2024
Alliance Leisure celebrates 25th anniversary with the completion of 250th development project
This month sees the public opening of the new build football hub within the grounds of Derby Racecourse, an event that puts a new marker in the sand for development partner, Alliance Leisure, as the company’s 250th completed project since its launch 25 years ago.

The new £8.4 million building, designed and developed by Alliance Leisure on behalf of Derby City Council, includes a reception area, café, three multi-use rooms, a Changing Places toilet and additional washrooms. Outside, extra car parking spaces have been added to support an outdoor play area, outdoor gym, a basketball training court and general landscaping to enhance the overall aesthetics.

Creating a central hub for the dedicated football facility, the building linked to pre-existing changing facilities and will provide much needed community support for the 3 new, outdoor, full sized 3G turf pitches (FTPs), and a refurbished FTP developed through the Football Foundation pitch framework and will enable the hosting of hundreds of matches every weekend.

Speaking about the project, Will Gardner, Business Development Manager, Alliance Leisure, says: “This has been an incredible project. The community will now be able to enjoy playing and watching ‘the beautiful game’ year round.

“Built within the grounds of Derby Racecourse, we worked with some incredible partners on this project, delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, including architects Bradshaw, Gass and Hope, Universal Construction and Abacus Project Management to create a sports hub that will serve the community for many years to come.”

On Thursday, February 8 and Friday, February 9, operator, Leisure United, is opening the doors to the community, hosting facility tours, with refreshments provided in the Pavilion café. The following weekend – Saturday, February 10 and Sunday, February 11 will then host the first matches, marking the return of the Football Leagues.

Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride, said: “This project has been an excellent example of successful partnership working. Alliance Leisure, working through the UK Leisure Framework, has brought expertise to this development at every level and stage of the project to deliver a fantastic facility that integrates superbly with the existing building and the pitch works completed by the Football Foundation. Thanks to everyone’s efforts the community in Derby now has a football facility that will support the activity needs of many generations.”

Jointly funded by Derby City Council, The Premier League, The FA, and the Government's Football Foundation, this project showcases the value collaborative working can bring to the community sports infrastructure.

Sarah Watts, Founder and CEO of Alliance Leisure, adds: “This development embodies all that we set out to achieve when we launched Alliance Leisure 25 years ago. It creates a safe, place-based active environment where communities can come together to enjoy all the benefits of being active. In partnership with local authorities across the UK, Alliance has optimised more than £370 million to ensure public sector leisure continues to meet the bespoke needs of the communities it serves.”

An official opening of the football hub is planned later in the year.

“Having been involved in the delivery of this project from the very start, to now seen it realise its potential & its impact on the community has been a real pleasure. Delivering a build and facility of this quality & size shows the impact the UKLF can have for everyone. To now let the local residents enjoy all the hard work which has been put in by the management & delivery team is testament to the dedication we pride ourselves on in delivery.” – Martin Davies, Director of Universal Civils & Build

“This scheme is an excellent demonstration of positive collaboration and teamwork. From early inception the Alliance Leisure team and key stakeholders have all come together with the common goal of delivering a hub that will provide excellent facilities and also a community-based destination for local residents and the people of Derby.” – Paul Jackson, Director, Abacus
08 Feb 2024
Alliance Leisure makes new appointments to support growth
Alliance Leisure has made a raft of new appointments across the business to support its continued growth. The new appointments come as the leisure development specialist celebrates 25 years of transforming leisure provision across the UK.

Jonny Curley has been promoted to the Development Board as Director for Scotland. With more than 25 years in the sector, Jonny joined Alliance Leisure as Business Development Manager in 2022. Since then, he has driven the company’s leisure projects across Scotland, several of which start on site this year.

He said: “I was privileged to become part of the Alliance team two years ago and progressing to the board is a great honour. Alliance’s outstanding culture, team and leadership has been crucial to the company’s growth and I look forward to contributing to its continued progress in the years ahead.”

Alongside Jonny, Julia Goddard also becomes Regional Director after 22 years with the company having overseen 130 projects worth an investment value of £160m.

Stuart Thornton joins the company as Financial Director. A seasoned finance and commercial professional, Stuart has held a number of senior financial roles across a range of sectors most recently as Finance Director at the housebuilder Backhouse.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Alliance, a company that deservedly has a very strong and positive reputation in the industry. With a great culture and a strong team who have a track record of delivering exceptional results for clients, I know I will be working with the best in the business. I look forward to supporting them in the exciting times ahead,” said Thornton.

Jo Cameron also joins the team as Alliance Delivery Manager. The former Sales Team Manager at OneRen, the charitable trust providing leisure, culture and sporting opportunities in Renfrewshire, Jo has worked in both the private and public sectors. Based in Glasgow, she will support developments across Scotland in her new role.

And Steve Rose has been appointed as Alliance Delivery Manager serving the south east region. Steve, who has more than 15 years’ experience in and around the industry, has previously worked at Fusion Lifestyle, SIV and Sheffield City Council.

Paul Cluett, Managing Director of Alliance Leisure says: “I’m delighted to welcome these new members to the team. With a strong pipeline of projects across the UK, it’s an exciting time for Alliance Leisure as we celebrate our 25th anniversary. It’s imperative we have the right skills and expertise to service our continued growth. These appointments will help support our clients and the future success of the business.”
29 Jan 2024
Alliance Leisure delivers knockout BOX12 Studio in Walsall
Walsall Council has launched a dedicated BOX12 boxing-based boutique training facility within the footprint of an established leisure centre.

The new studio, created from under-utilised office space, occupies a new studio space on the first floor and can accommodate up to 16 participants at any one time, all working out in a circuit style format, supported by digital coaching and exercise demonstrations.

Stuart Webb, Group Manager at Walsall Council, explains: “We were looking to create something special, something unique in the community that would inspire people to get active and stay active. Alliance Leisure has an excellent reputation and track record for developing engaging place-based activity spaces so employing their expertise was a no-brainer. We wanted to obtain maximum impact and engagement for our £300,000 budget.

“When the BOX12 studio was first tabled as an idea we were a little sceptical. It sounded interesting but we were struggling to understand how it might work as a ‘box within a box’ at Oak Park Active Living Centre. Our concerns were soon put to rest when Alliance hosted visits to an existing BOX12 facility located at Newcastle Under Lyme. We fell in love with the energy, fun and uniqueness of the experience and were convinced it would ignite a spark in the community and people would want to get involved. We were also encouraged by the fact that the two BOX12 founders are also co-owners of the established Hatton Boxing brand.”

BOX12 is a 36-minute workout consisting of 12, 3-minute rounds that combine boxing and functional fitness exercises. Each exercise is separated by a 3-minute rest period. The workout is fast-paced, training strength, power and cardiovascular fitness as well as balance, reaction time and flexibility.

Kenny Wattam, Project Manager at BOX12, says: “BOX12 provides a welcoming and encouraging environment for everybody, regardless of ability or experience. People can train at their own pace and level within the parameters of the workout format.

“Whilst some of the exercises are individual, many require people to pair-up, helping to nurture a supportive community that provides social and mental benefits as well as physical. Digital instruction and exercise demonstrations are provided throughout, freeing up instructors to focus more on motivational coaching and encouragement. In the case of the install at Walsall, BOX12 also integrates the Myzone platform, helping people to understand their training levels, challenging themselves whilst working within safe limits.”

Works began in October 2023 transforming the office space into the vibrant BOX12 studio and completed in just 11 weeks.

Gareth Liversedge, Delivery Manager, Alliance Leisure, says: “In terms of the sensory experience we kept within the traditional BOX12 design framework, creating a stripped back industrial feel enhanced by strategically positioned lighting, wraparound graphics and high-quality equipment. When people step into the studio, they immediately feel they have arrived in a unique space, leaving any stresses and strains of everyday life at the door and enabling total focus on their workout.”

BOX12 launched in 2019 so is still a relatively new kid on the fitness industry block. That said, it is experiencing exciting growth within the UK, Europe and as far afield as Saudi Arabia . Gareth adds: “BOX12 is fresh and delivers a unique experience for people living in and around Walsall. Whilst it is hoped the existing leisure centre users will embrace the new offer, we also expect BOX12 to attract a new audience, extending the centre’s positive influence on the local community.”

The BOX12 project at the Oak Park Active Living Centre has been delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Other partners on the project include Universal Construction, Savernake Property Consultants, Bignall, Shacklady and Ewing Architects and Greenwood Projects for Principal Design.
24 Jan 2024
Alliance Leisure appointed to new leisure centre project for Kingston upon Thames
Alliance Leisure has been appointed to work on the concept design for a new leisure centre for The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames in south-west London.

Appointed via the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), Alliance Leisure will help shape the new two storey venue, which has sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity at its heart.

The design team, which includes architects Roberts Limbrick, are currently working with community stakeholders, potential future users and the council to ensure the new design meets their needs. Public update sessions will take place this month, with engagement on the proposed designs scheduled for the spring.

The new design will replace former plans for a leisure complex as the council made the decision not to proceed with the approved application when the unprecedented national financial picture led to costs rising to almost double the agreed budget.

Located in Kingston town centre on the site of the old Kingfisher Leisure Centre which closed in 2019, outline plans for the new facility include two swimming pools with moveable floors. The 25m, eight lane pool will offer spectator seating for 150 people, while the smaller pool measuring 20m x 10m will feature lights, water fountains and accessible steps for fun splash sessions. A pool pod, hoist and easy going access steps will be available in both pools for comfortable access for those with additional needs.

Following extensive consultation and a strategic review of indoor sports needs across the borough, other facilities will include a 150-station gym, four-court sports hall, three multi-activity studios, a group cycling studio, two squash courts, a health suite with sauna and steam rooms, café and a soft play area. The centre will also offer a fully accessible Changing Places toilet facility.

Spaces around the site will be enhanced as part of the project, including upgrading the outdoor play area and improving green space.

The development aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and will incorporate Net Zero design principles and a host of technologies to reduce carbon emissions and operating costs. The building will be all electric, with power supported by solar panels and heat generated by air source heat pumps.

The project team includes architects Roberts Limbrick, Hadron Consulting, Design Active and Varsity QS.

"Kingston Council is committed to building a new swimming and leisure centre in Kingston town centre and we have been working at pace to bring forward revised proposals for the complex. We are pleased to have such an experienced project team, managed through Alliance Leisure and procured through the UK Leisure Framework, to ensure that the project can be delivered on time, include the range of activities that residents and stakeholders said they wanted to see, and within an affordable budget." – Chris Jones, Project Director at Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames

"Having developed over 200 leisure projects, our role is to use this experience to lead a team of best-in-class experts to develop an outstanding new leisure facility for Kingston. We are looking forward to shaping a new, sustainable and inclusive leisure centre that meets the needs of the local community providing long lasting improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing." – Tom Fairey, Development Director, Alliance Leisure

"Our specialist sport and leisure team, with a national reputation in this sector, are delighted to be playing their part in the design of a new accessible, inclusive and sustainable swimming and leisure centre for the residents of Kingston. The centre is being designed to provide a range of facilities and opportunities for users of all abilities to promote active lives. Two swimming pools, a sports hall, squash courts, fitness gym, studio spaces and health suite form the key sporting facilities that sit alongside a large café and double height soft play. It is exciting to see the designs developing into an efficient two-storey building that meets the needs of the local community on this important town centre site." – Chris Kent, Associate, Roberts Limbrick
Alliance Leisure: news from CLADglobal.com
20 Dec 2023
The UK’s most recently-formed local government body – North Yorkshire Council – is making wellbeing a fundamental priority, with the launch of a raft of new facilities backed by £47.9m (US$60.6m, €55.3m) of investment.
25 Aug 2023
Alliance Leisure has been awarded funding of £13m to develop a new sports hub at Parsloes Park in Barking.
16 Dec 2022
Construction work has begun on a £13m community sports hub in Barking, East London.
08 Apr 2022
Denbighshire Leisure has recently launched its third generation dedicated Leisure Framework naming Alliance Leisure as its continuing lead development contractor.
13 Jul 2017
In recognition Alliance Leisure's contribution to getting people active, the private leisure development company was presented with the Supplier of the Year’s Outstanding Achievement award.
19 Mar 2008
Alliance Leisure Services is undertaking a £1m project to deliver a new fitness suite at Haslingden Sports Centre.
Alliance Leisure: featured in Clagmag magazine
Interview: Sarah Watts
Health Club Management 2024 issue 1
As Alliance Leisure celebrates its 25th anniversary, its founder and CEO tells Kate Cracknell why Alliance will never build another leisure centre
HCM People: Jamie Groves
Health Club Management 2024 issue 1
Denbighshire Leisure’s turnover has increased by 25 per cent since 2021, so the developments have paid for themselves and more
Health Club Management 2023 issue 5
Health is a national asset that drives prosperity at an individual and collective level. Alliance Leisure CEO, Sarah Watts, explains how the organisation is supporting communities through the reimagining of public sector leisure
Show preview: Elevate 2023
Health Club Management 2023 issue 4
As the industry in the UK gears up for this annual trade event, HCM gives the lowdown on what you can expect
Alliance Leisure
Tel: +44 (0)1458 877558
Address: 2340/2440 The Quadrant, Aztec West, Bristol, BS324AQ, United Kingdom
Sarah Watts, ceo
Key personnel
Sarah Watts, ceo
Paul Cluett, managing director
James Foley, commercial director
Tom Fairey, development director
Paul Woodford, strategic engagement director
John Leaver, marketing & frameworks director
Julia Goddard, senior business development manager
Jonny Curley, senior business development manager
Key customers
Local Authorities
Leisure Trusts
Universities and Colleges