press release: Alliance Leisure
Gold company profile | Alliance Leisure
PRESS RELEASE
Work underway on Leek’s latest 'Levelling Up' project with Alliance Leisure
19 Jan 2026
The Nicholson Museum, Leek Town Centre / High Peak Borough Council
Alliance Leisure starts 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. Alliance Leisure has been appointed under the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. (DLL), to refurbish and repurpose the library and museum to offer cultural facilities fit for the future.
The Nicholson Institute is the third and final part of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s regeneration of Leek town centre. Alliance completed the renovation of Leek’s Victorian indoor market last year and is currently delivering the £17m redevelopment of Brough Park Leisure Centre.
Gareth Liversedge, Alliance Leisure 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 The outdated library will be revitalised with new flooring and finishes, while the museum will be redeveloped to create a more accessible and engaging experience for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.”
Alliance Leisure is leading a team of specialists, which includes main contractor Speller Metcalfe, architects Roberts Limbrick and project managers Abacus. The project is due to complete in July 2026.
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Show preview: Elevate 2026
Welcome to Elevate 2026
Sponsored: Alliance Leisure - a facility for the future
Alliance Leisure utilised its extensive industry expertise
and proven resilience to deliver Clay Cross Active, an
end-to-end health and wellness facility in Derbyshire
Interview: Sarah Watts
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
Denbighshire Leisure’s turnover has increased by 25 per cent since 2021, so the developments have paid for themselves and more
Alliance Leisure
Tel: +44 (0)1458 877558
Email: [email protected]
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
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
Leisure Trusts
Universities and Colleges
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.
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
– Jamie Groves, managing director at Denbighshire Leisure
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