A £4.2 million project at Pingles Leisure Centre will reduce the centre’s use of fossil fuels, making it more energy efficient and more comfortable for public use.
Last week, the team responsible for delivering the scheme met to finalise plans for the project, which is set to be delivered over the next 18 months.
Funding of £3.8 million was obtained via the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant, alongside just under £400,000 from Sport England and a further £470,000 from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council.
The investment will see new commercial heat pumps installed to replace existing gas boilers, along with a new air management scheme.
The scheme at the Pingles Leisure Centre site in Nuneaton will be delivered by Salix on behalf of the government.
Salix Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation, Ian Rodger, said:
“Our team is delighted to work with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council and offer support to help it reach its net zero targets.
“The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will enable the council to not only work towards its targets but also provide a more comfortable environment in which the local community can work and enjoy.”
Executive Director for Place at Sport England, Lisa Dodd-Mayne, said:
“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.”
Cllr Tim Jenkins, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Communities and Health, said:
“The Pingles site is a great facility that sees around 50,000 visitors each month.
“The existing gas boilers at the leisure centre were approaching the end of their useful life, and this investment will ensure a much more environmentally conscious option for the site moving forward.
“We are making great headway with upgrading our sports facilities in the borough. With upgrades already having taken place on the athletics track and lights at the Pingles and seeing work start on the new Physical Activity Hub in Bedworth Miners’ Welfare Park this month, it is exciting times with lots in the pipeline to look forward to.
“These investments will no doubt help towards our goal of providing first-rate sports facilities, reducing our carbon footprint in the borough, and ensuring that Nuneaton and Bedworth is indeed a great place to live, work and visit.”
