Loughborough Leisure Centre awarded £235k from the Government

It is expected the pool covers and solar panels will be installed by March 2025.

The swimming pools at Loughborough Leisure Centre will become more energy efficient after a £235,000 funding boost from the Government.

The funding will be used towards the installation of new pool covers and solar panels.

The new covers for the 25-metre swimming pool and smaller training pool 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.”

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.