Alliance Leisure begins major transformation of Thorne Leisure Centre
Alliance Leisure has started work on the second phase of an ambitious transformation project at Thorne Leisure Centre for Doncaster Culture & Leisure Trust, some 15 years after completing its first project at the site.
The £5.9 million redevelopment, which has received funding from the Sport England Place Capital Fund, aims to rejuvenate the 1960s-built centre, which is rebranded as Thorne Wellbeing and Leisure Hub. Phase 2 will introduce a variety of modern fitness, play and leisure facilities tailored to meet the needs of the local community.
The underutilised sports hall is being repurposed into a 10-pin bowling alley by Bowling Vision, featuring six bowling lanes, and a family entertainment zone. The exciting addition introduces a new entertainment destination to the area and follows the success of the Kingpin Bowling Alley at Adwick Leisure Centre, which Alliance Leisure previously delivered for the Trust.
The ground floor will also feature an adventure play space created by Play Revolution, alongside the centre’s first dedicated food and beverage facility, providing a welcoming social space for visitors of all ages.
A new mezzanine floor is being constructed to accommodate a 55-station gym, exercise studio and modern changing rooms, a consultation room and a power-assisted exercise studio equipped by Innerva, specifically designed for older adults, those recovering from injury and managing long-term health conditions.
The development is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd. The project team includes architects Bradshaw Gass & Hope, contractor Speller Metcalfe and project managers Abacus CM.
“This is a huge transformation for Thorne Leisure Centre. The enhancements are designed to better align with the needs of the local community while improving the overall viability of the centre. Ultimately, the upgrades will ensure the building and its services remain fit for purpose for the future.”
The project is scheduled to complete by the end of the year. Phase one, which completed in May 2024, included the full refurbishment of the building’s fabric and all mechanical and electrical systems, a new building management system in addition to a complete renovation of the pool hall, pool tank and changing rooms as well as a new reception area and viewing gallery. The pool will remain open throughout the second phase of the development.