Work has started on the third Levelling Up-funded scheme for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, part of a multi-million-pound programme to revitalise Leek town centre.

The Nicholson Institute, a Grade II* listed landmark within the Leek Town Centre Conservation Area, was built in 1884 and currently houses a public library and museum. Alliance Leisure has appointed Speller Metcalfe under the UK Leisure Framework, owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), to refurbish and repurpose the building to provide modern cultural facilities.

The Nicholson Institute forms the final element of the council's regeneration plans for the town centre. Alliance and Speller Metcalfe completed the refurbishment of Leek's Victorian indoor market last year and are also 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."

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Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: "It's great to be working with Alliance Leisure and the wider project team on the next phase of works in Leek town centre for Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. We have strong experience in bringing historic buildings back to life, and we're proud to be helping preserve the character of the Nicholson Institute while ensuring that it is adapted to meet modern needs."

The works comprise essential repairs and upgrades to improve the building's fabric and functionality, including roof repairs, a remodelled main entrance and a fully accessible WC on the lower ground floor. The outdated library will receive new flooring and finishes, while the museum will be redesigned to create a more accessible and engaging visitor experience.

Energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting and upgraded radiator controls to optimise energy use, are expected to deliver significant carbon reductions.

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 the project with a specialist team including main contractor Speller Metcalfe, architects Roberts Limbrick and project managers Abacus. Completion is scheduled for summer 2026.