Saltburn Leisure Centre is set to become more environmentally friendly with the proposed installation of 111 solar panels, with work due to begin in early March.
The project, made possible by a £150k grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (Phase 2), will help reduce the centre’s carbon footprint by an estimated 10.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. The funding, part of a £60 million investment shared among over 300 pools across the country, aims to support sustainability improvements in public leisure facilities.
The installation works will be overseen by Leisure Energy, a specialist in energy efficiency solutions for the leisure sector.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture, said: “We were delighted to receive this funding, which has made the project possible. As a council, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions wherever we can, and initiatives like this are crucial in helping us build a greener future for our children and grandchildren.”
Matt Jones, Project Manager at Leisure Energy said: “We are delighted to be working with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council installing the solar panels at Saltburn Leisure Centre providing a sustainable solution for longevity of the facility for generations to come.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place at Sport England added: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Sport England is proud of the role we play in supporting these facilities. The investment from the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund at Saltburn Leisure Centre will help improve energy efficiency and enable the centre to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so it remains available for future generations to enjoy.”
Paul Ayre, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “It is great news that these investments will reduce the centre’s carbon footprint going forward. Everyone Active is proud to work alongside Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, as part of our Net Zero Strategy, to help achieve our company’s Net Zero ambitions."
Once installed, the solar panels will contribute to the Council’s wider sustainability goals, making Saltburn Leisure Centre a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible facility.