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Citizen magazine Summer 2024 - text version - Saving with solar at Riverside Leisure Centre
Published: 12 August 2024
Saving with solar at Riverside Leisure Centre
The city council has secured funding to install over 600 solar panels on the roof of Riverside Leisure Centre, as well as on new canopies that will be built over the car park.
By producing renewable energy on site, the project is set to reduce the electricity bills of the building by 33 percent and cut 75 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. These financial and carbon savings will help secure the future of this popular leisure centre, as well as supporting the council’s efforts to reach net zero.
The total funding of £895,000 will go towards installing solar panels on the flat roof area of the leisure centre and throughout the car park via a solar carport. Additionally, funds will be allocated to upgrade the building management system to optimise the site’s energy efficiency. Completion of the project is expected by the end of 2024.
Funding of £520,000 has been secured from the government and Sport England’s £60m Swimming Pool Support Fund, while the remaining £375,000 is being paid for by the city council.
The centre, which has been run by Places Leisure on behalf of the council since 2013, bounced back strongly after it was forced to close during the pandemic. Last year membership numbers surpassed pre-pandemic levels and 350,000 visits were recorded. A recently agreed new contract will see Places Leisure continue to manage the centre until 2029.
Councillor Emma Hampton, said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to secure this funding to install such a large solar array and other energy efficient measures at Riverside Leisure Centre, future proofing the venue by reducing emissions and ensuring we continue to provide these much-loved community facilities for years to come.
“By placing solar panels on the roof and in the car park, we’re putting that empty space to good use – something we should aim to do more and more across the city as we work towards a net zero Norwich by 2045.”
