An award of £674,740 government funding to Thanet council will be used to install solar panels on the roof of Ramsgate Leisure Centre.
The funding, from phase two of the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, is aimed at improving energy efficiency of public facilities with swimming pools.
It follows earlier funding of £380k in phase one, bringing financial support for pools in Thanet to just over £1 million.
The phase one funding in November was for £217,995 for Ramsgate Leisure Centre and £162,566 for Hartsdown pool and was used to help support maintenance costs, heating and pool chemicals.
Both leisure centres are operated by Your Leisure.
The solar panels now being funded for Ramsgate Leisure Centre will provide cleaner energy for the building. The panels have a lifespan of over 25 years and the council says the installation will also result in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions each year.
Variable speed filter pumps which control the flow of water, will also be installed. The pumps will help to reduce the amount of electricity used and improve the energy efficiency of the swimming pool overall.
The project will be completed by 31 March 2025.
Together, the rooftop solar panels and variable speed filtration system will reduce the annual electricity bill at Ramsgate Leisure Centre by more than half.
Bob Porter, Director of Place at Thanet District Council, said: “Swimming pools provide a year-round facility for residents and visitors. This funding will enable us to continue providing these important leisure spaces for the community, while reducing their impact on the environment through the use of greener energy.
“Addressing the greenhouse gas emissions from buildings that the council owns is the top priority in our Net Zero strategy.”
Warren Reeves, Managing Director of Your Leisure, said: “We warmly welcome this support, as a leisure trust with charitable objectives that invests in services for the improvement and wellbeing of our community. It follows a testing time for the industry, which in some areas is still recovering from the effects of the Covid pandemic and national lockdowns.
“Investing in greener energy will significantly contribute to the district’s Net Zero Strategy. It will help us to minimise future price changes to offset increased energy costs. Any initiative that contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and reduces energy costs to allow for investment, is most welcome.”
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.
“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 this 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.”
