Cash to improve energy efficiency at town pool
THE swimming pools at Loughborough Leisure Centre are set to become more energy efficient after a £235,000 funding boost from the Government.
Charnwood Borough Council and its leisure partner Fusion Lifestyle successfully applied to Sport England for the funding which will be used towards the installation of new pool covers and solar panels.
The grant has been distributed through the Swimming Pool Support Fund via National Lottery funding.
The new covers for the 25-metre swimming pool and smaller training pool at Loughborough will help retain heat and reduce the amount of energy used.
The solar panels will help the leisure centre become energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.
Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s lead member for leisure said: “We are delighted the funding bid has been successful.
“The swimming pools at Loughborough offer a wide variety of activities and classes to help the local community stay active. From lane and family swims through to swimming and aqua fitness classes, the pools are incredibly popular.
“The rise in energy costs in recent years has impacted running costs of
swimming pools so this is welcomed investment to help improve energy efficiency at the Loughborough’s swimming facilities.”
“This is also part of our commitment to working with partners to reduce carbon emissions and help limit global warming after the Council declared a climate emergency last year.”
Thousands of visitors are welcomed to the three leisure centres in Charnwood each month and over 3,500 children have learned to swim in the pools.
It is expected the pool covers and solar panels will be installed by March 2025.
Matthew Smith, regional manager at Fusion Lifestyle said: “We were pleased to work with our partners at
Charnwood Borough Council on this application and it is fantastic news that Loughborough will receive this funding to help the swimming pools become more energy efficient”.
Funding was only available for one facility per local authority due to the scale of demand.
Commenting on the news, Charnwood MP Jane Hunt MP said: “Loughborough Leisure Centre is a brilliant facility, allowing people of all ages and abilities to access the mental and physical benefits that come with exercise.
“That is why I am delighted that the Leisure Centre has received £235,000 investment from this Conservative Government, improving the pool’s energy efficiency, keeping running costs down and giving more people the opportunity to swim whilst reducing our environmental impact.
“By sticking to the plan, this Conservative Government has been able to invest in swimming pools across the country, improving people’s health to create a brighter future for all.”
For more information on how to get active at your local Charnwood centre please visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com/ contracts/charnwood or register for a free pass at www.fusion-lifestyle.com/ offers/free-pass/.