Solar Panel installation commences at Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre

Published: Wednesday, 20 November 2024

Earlier this year Oadby & Wigston Borough Council (OWBC) received a £184,050 grant from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund to install 373 solar panels at Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre.

Work has now commenced on site at the leisure facility with Leisure Energy being appointed as Principal Contractor.

The installation is expected to complete in early 2025 and will reduce the carbon emissions at the centre by approximately 35 tonnes.

The Swimming Pool Support Fund was created by the Government due to the increase in energy costs over recent years at leisure facilities and with the intention of both helping keep pools open in the face of financial challenges, as well as funding longer-term projects to help reduce future energy bills.

The funding received by OWBC will assist in the council's commitment to achieving their net zero targets, together with helping to fulfil their strategy of being a carbon conscious borough.

Cllr Bill Boulter, Chair of Service Delivery Committee at OWBC, said: "We're thrilled to have received Sport England funding for this project and that the installation work can now get under way. This is an excellent next step for the council in creating a greener future as we work towards net zero.

"By self-generating a large portion of its electricity the centre will also see a substantial reduction in running costs, and become more resilient to fluctuations in energy prices, which in this economic climate offers significant protection to the services it offers.

"By building a more sustainable future this offer should continue to thrive, and Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre remain providing users with high quality services and programmes and excellent value for money."

Holly Jarvis, Project Manager for Leisure Energy, said: "We are proud to be Oadby & Wigston's partner for the installation of solar panels at Wigston Pool & Fitness Centre and assisting them with lowering their carbon emissions with the result that the facility will become more economically and environmentally sustainable."

Peggy Lee, Group Sustainability Manager for Everyone Active who operate the centre, said: "It is great news to have more onsite renewable energy generation, which will further reduce the centre's carbon footprint going forward. Everyone Active is proud to work alongside the Council in meeting their net zero ambitions, which is the most important part of our own net zero strategy."

Sport England is administering the fund on behalf of the government and has provided an additional £20m of funding. Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place, commented earlier in the year:

"Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.

"Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.

"Sport England is proud of the role we've played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period.

"We hope today's funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so they remain available for future generations to enjoy."