Work has started on a major project to install solar panels at Stratford Leisure Centre as part of Stratford-on-Avon District Council commitment to sustainability.
The initiative, funded by Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Fund, will see the installation of approximately 408 solar panels at Stratford Leisure Centre.
This ambitious project represents a major investment in renewable energy for the District. The solar panels are expected to significantly reduce the Leisure Centre's reliance on traditional energy sources, leading to lower carbon emissions and operational cost savings.
The District Council has played a pivotal role in securing the funding and driving the project forward. Working closely with Everyone Active, who manage the District Council's Leisure Centres on the Council's behalf and demonstrating its dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future for local residents.
"We are thrilled to see this important project come to fruition," said Councillor Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
"The installation of solar panels at our Leisure Centre is a testament to our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and embracing renewable energy. This project will not only benefit the environment but also contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of these vital community hubs. We are grateful for the support of Sport England and the partnership with Everyone Active in making this a reality."
Richard Bell, Everyone Active's 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 Stratford-on-Avon District Council, as part of our Net Zero Strategy, to help achieve our company's Net Zero ambitions."
The installation of the solar panels, which will be undertaken by specialist contractor Leisure Energy, has started and will be completed by April 2025.
Holly Jarvis, Project Manager for Leisure Energy, said: "We are proud to be working as Stratford-on-Avon District Council's construction partner for the installation of solar panels at Stratford Leisure Centre. This carbon reduction project will assist the Council with their Net Zero goals whilst helping to ensure that the facility will be economically and environmentally sustainable for the future."
Sport England is administering the fund on behalf of the government.
The government has provided £40m towards capital projects with Sport England providing an additional £20m from Lottery funding towards these types of installation. Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director of Place, commented last 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."
Last week, the District Council's Cabinet also approved further funding from the Council's Climate Change Reserve as part of a contingency in support of the additional grant of £135,000 awarded from Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund for the installation of 200 solar panels on Shipston Leisure Centre.
