Work begins on installation of solar panels on Shipston Leisure Centre

Stratford-on-Avon District Council is delighted to announce the installation of 168 solar panels at Shipston Leisure Centre, marking another significant step towards its commitment to a sustainable future. This follows the successful implementation of a similar project at Stratford Leisure Centre.

The Sport England-funded initiative will drastically reduce Shipston Leisure Centre's carbon footprint, generate substantial cost savings, and contribute to a greener community. The solar panel system will provide clean, renewable energy, decreasing the centre's dependence on traditional energy sources and significantly lowering its carbon emissions.

This project forms a crucial part of the council's strategic plan to maximise renewable energy use across its leisure facilities. Building on the success at Stratford Leisure Centre, the council is now focusing on Shipston as it progresses towards its ambitious carbon reduction targets and the creation of more environmentally friendly facilities.

The project is a collaborative effort between Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Everyone Active (the leisure centre's management company), and Leisure Energy, who are managing the installation. Funding was secured through a successful bid to Sport England.

Work is scheduled to commence at the end of February and is anticipated to be completed by the end of March.

Councillor Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council: "Following the success at Stratford Leisure Centre, we're delighted to now be installing solar panels at Shipston Leisure Centre. This further demonstrates our commitment to a greener future, and we're incredibly grateful to Sport England for their continued support in making these projects a reality. This initiative at Shipston will not only benefit the environment but also provide long-term cost savings for the leisure centre, ensuring its continued service to the community."

Neil Bland, Managing Director at Leisure Energy: "We are delighted to be working with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and Everyone Active on this important project at Shipston. Solar energy is a key component of a sustainable future, and this installation, following on from our work at Stratford, will make a significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy across the district."

Richard Bell, Contract Manager at Everyone Active: "We are thrilled to see these solar panels being installed at Shipston Leisure Centre. Aligning perfectly with our own sustainability goals, this project will help us to reduce the centre's carbon footprint going forward. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on the leisure centre and the community."

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  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."