Alliance Leisure Secures Eight-Year Contract for UK Leisure Framework
Alliance Leisure has been reappointed as the exclusive development partner for the UK Leisure Framework (UKLF), marking an important milestone with an eight-year agreement valued at £6 billion. This renewal solidifies the company’s role in enhancing public leisure facilities across the UK.
Framework Evolution and Competitive Tendering
Originally established in 2017, the UKLF has seen Alliance Leisure take the helm as its development partner. Following a competitive tendering process, the new framework contract will be active from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2034, with an option to extend for an additional two years, pending mutual agreement.
Growth in Project Value
The latest agreement significantly increases the potential contract value from the previous £2 billion to £6 billion. It’s important to note that this figure reflects the anticipated value of projects to be commissioned rather than guaranteed revenue for Alliance Leisure.
Broader Scope and Healthcare Integration
Managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), the UKLF offers a specialized procurement route for public-sector organizations focusing on the development and refurbishment of various facilities, including leisure, sport, heritage, and community spaces. This latest iteration of the framework broadens its scope by incorporating a Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV) code that facilitates the construction of clinics and medical centers, mirroring an increasing emphasis on integrated health and leisure services.
Commitment to Culture and Heritage
The framework maintains its commitment to culture and community heritage projects, comprising facilities like theatres, museums, and market halls, thereby supporting diverse public interests.
Statements from Leadership
John Leaver, Marketing and Frameworks Director at Alliance Leisure, commented, “The new UKLF provides public-sector clients with the long-term certainty needed to navigate ambitious investment programs. It reflects the evolving role of public infrastructure, supporting a cohesive approach to health, wellbeing, and community services.” He emphasized that the framework streamlines project communications, facilitating a more efficient process for turning long-term investment strategies into tangible outcomes.
Track Record and Impact
Since its inception in 2017, the UKLF has successfully delivered over 185 developments in leisure, sport, and community sectors, generating £410 million in investments and serving 135 public-sector organizations.
Reflections on Public Leisure Transformation
Jamie Groves, Managing Director of DLL, highlighted the transformative role of public leisure facilities, stating, “These assets now contribute significantly to broader strategies for health and community development.” Groves noted that the refreshed UKLF framework aligns with this changing landscape, aiming to meet evolving public-sector ambitions while capitalizing on established relationships developed in previous iterations.
Access and Continuity
The UKLF is available to various eligible public-sector organizations throughout the UK, including local authorities and educational institutions. The framework also ensures a seamless transition for ongoing projects under the current UKLF, thereby maintaining continuity for existing clients as it transitions into operation.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The new UKLF framework has no maximum cap for individual projects, accommodating investments across different scales—from single facilities to major, multi-site developments.
Background Information
Denbighshire Leisure Ltd was previously considered for a management buyout valued at £1.5 million in 2025, which aimed to transfer the administration of the UKLF. Although the proposed sale was approved in principle, it did not proceed, and DLL continues under council oversight. The signing of the new framework may reignite interest in this initiative.
Further details on the UKLF’s origins, operational framework, and impact on public leisure provision can be explored in our profile of Jamie Groves.
Discussion about this post