£500k awarded to fit solar panels to centre
SPORT ENGLAND FUNDING SECURED FOR TOWN LEISURE SITE
MORE than £500,000 has been secured to fit solar panels to a leisure centre.
The £535,773 from Sport England will also pay for the installation of energy-saving LED lighting throughout Market Harborough leisure centre.
Harborough District Council said the funding will help drive down rising energy costs while supporting the council’s ambitious climate targets.
The application was made by council officers and centre contractor Everyone Active.
It will result in the placement of 768 photo voltaic panels on the roof of the centre.
These will deliver 323,520 kwh annual electricity usage savings and £68,000 in annual electricity cost savings.
Councillor Simon Galton, deputy leader of the council, said: “The grant funding will complement the planned refurbishment work at Harborough leisure centre and further support the council’s ongoing commitment to fighting climate emergency by reducing emissions, switching to renewable energy, and delivering significant long-term financial and energy savings.” Matthew Hopkin, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We are delighted to have supported Harborough District Council’s successful bid for Sport England funding.
“It is great news this project will further reduce the centre’s carbon footprint. Everyone Active is proud to work alongside the council, as part of our net zero strategy, to help achieve our company’s ambitions.”
In December, the company and council agreed a £5.9 million capital investment into the district council’s two leisure centres, at Lutterworth and Market Harborough, in collaboration with Everyone Active, in December.
The council said the new contract focuses on improving the range and provision of activities for all, including more gym stations and pool inflatables, as well as outreach activities and events across the rural district.
The grant funding will complement the planned refurbishment work at Harborough leisure centre Simon Galton