The redevelopment of The Peak leisure centre in Stirling, Scotland, is now complete, sporting a significantly expanded gym and two brand-new fitness studios.

The £2.45 million investment, delivered on behalf of Stirling Council, marks the successful transformation of one of Scotland’s leading community leisure facilities. The project, led by Alliance Leisure, has created modern, accessible and inspiring spaces designed to meet growing demand and support the health and wellbeing of communities across Stirlingshire.

First opened in 2009, The Peak, which is managed by Active Stirling has long been a cornerstone of sport, physical activity and community life in the region. Originally designed to support around 3,500 members, prior to the redevelopment the centre served more than 8,000, with demand for gym and group fitness provision continuing to rise. This latest redevelopment ensures the facility can continue to deliver in line with community needs while supporting long-term sustainability.

The project has optimised the existing building footprint by repurposing three low occupancy courts within the sports hall to create a substantially enlarged first-floor gym and two purpose-built ground floor studios via a new mezzanine structure. This intelligent use of space has enabled the introduction of modern fitness equipment and flexible studio environments, significantly enhancing the overall customer experience without the need for new build expansion.

Alongside doubling the size of the gym, the new studios allow for a broader, inclusive and more diverse programme of group exercise classes, increasing capacity and creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active. 

A specialist delivery team brought the project to life, including Thomas Johnstone Ltd as main contractor, with support from CD Architects, Axiom Project Services, Struer, Wallace Whittle, ABT Safety and Hutchi.  The project has been delivered via the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL).

Matt Bunnell, CEO, Active Stirling, says: “This project demonstrates the value of targeted investment in community infrastructure. Working with Alliance Leisure, we have delivered a high-quality, future-ready facility that responds directly to the needs of our residents. The enhancements at The PEAK will support healthier lifestyles, strengthen community connections and ensure the centre continues to play a vital role across Stirlingshire for years to come. Crucially, the development will enable the thriving of Active Stirling’s treasured barrier breaking, inclusive programmes and opportunities delivered throughout the community on a daily basis which confer significant inequality reducing outcomes”

Jonny Curley, regional director, Alliance Leisure, adds: “The successful completion of The PEAK redevelopment is the result of strong collaboration between all project partners. From initial concept through to delivery, the focus has been on maximising the existing asset to create a modern, flexible and future-proof facility. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Stirling Council and Active Stirling to bring this vision to life and deliver a space that will have a lasting positive impact on the community.”

Operated by Active Stirling on behalf of Stirling Council, The Peak will now offer an enhanced mix of facilities, supporting increased participation in sport and physical activity while contributing to wider health and wellbeing outcomes.

The redevelopment forms part of a shared commitment to invest in high-quality leisure provision and aligns with Stirling’s emerging strategy for sport, physical activity and health, helping to create more opportunities for people to lead active, healthy lives.

Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre in Edinburgh has unveiled a newly completed, purpose-built spin studio, delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, by Alliance Leisure and supported by a specialist team of Scotland-based delivery partners.

Completed in just six weeks, the £246,000 project has transformed an underused lower-floor social space within the centre into a modern, immersive indoor cycling studio, while allowing the leisure centre to remain fully operational throughout the build. The development provides a dedicated new home for Edinburgh Leisure’s popular group cycling programme and marks a significant milestone in the centre’s post-COVID recovery.

Procured via the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, the project demonstrates how compliant, streamlined procurement can enable rapid delivery of high-quality leisure infrastructure. Alliance Leisure led the project from inception to completion, coordinating a collaborative delivery team made up entirely of Scottish specialists. Works were delivered by lead contractor Thomas Johnstone Ltd, with design by Wellwood Leslie Architects, mechanical and electrical consultancy from Wallace Whittle, audio-visual and lighting installation by Hutchi, and principal designer oversight provided by ABT Safety.

The new spin studio has been designed to support a high-energy, immersive class experience, featuring advanced sound and lighting systems to enhance programmes such as Les Mills Sprint and RPM. Crucially, the facility enables Edinburgh Leisure to reinstate its full indoor cycling timetable for the first time since the pandemic, responding to strong member demand and increasing capacity for peak-time and evening classes.

Jo Cameron, Delivery Manager at Alliance Leisure, says: “The new spin studio at Craiglockhart is a great example of how targeted, efficient investment can rapidly deliver high-quality leisure infrastructure. Delivered through the UK Leisure Framework, 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, adds: “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. Working in collaboration with Alliance Leisure, the former lower social area has been transformed into a purpose-built, state-of-the-art cycle studio that offers a truly immersive experience. It’s been a real team effort, and we’re excited to welcome members back to a full programme of cycle classes in a space that really does them justice.”

For more information about Alliance Leisure visit: allianceleisure.co.uk