£1.2m decarbonisation and refurbishment works at Cotgrave Leisure Centre underway
Last updated: 13/12/2024
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s (RBC) £1.2m investment in a decarbonisation and refurbishment project at Cotgrave Leisure Centre is underway set to transform how its swimming pool and leisure features are heated.
It follows a significant milestone with the delivery of a new low carbon air source heat pump unit, The Net Zero Pod, which will deliver an innovative and pioneering application of heat pump and green technology.
Once fully connected and turned on later this month, the new plant room will use electricity from renewable sources to efficiently draw heat from the air and transfer it into the swimming pool and surrounding areas, resulting in 250% to 300% energy efficiency.
The Pod was designed and built off-site at contractor Leisure Energy’s Technology Centre and delivered to the leisure centre in its own acoustic container enabling better quality control and ease of installation.
The decarbonisation of Cotgrave leisure centre is part funded with £1.2m from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and is part of RBC’s £5.2m investment in Cotgrave and Keyworth leisure centres.
Alongside Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s investment, RBC received a further £250,000 funding from the Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport through their Swimming Pool Support Fund, administered by Sport England, enabling solar panels to be installed on the roof at Cotgrave Leisure Centre.
The panels will generate up to 55,000 kwh of electricity a year saving up to £25,000 on running costs, the equivalent to running power for 20 houses.
The Leisure Centre is also benefiting from £110,000 funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for refurbishments, which include:
- A new changing places toilet enabling users with mobility challenges to change more easily
- An improved toilet and reception layout
- Widening corridors
- An improved dedicated spin studio
- Larger modern dance studio with improved lighting and sound systems
- Updated and improved layout to the poolside changing rooms.
A new Changing Places toilet at Cotgrave Leisure Centre is now open, supported by a £50,000 grant from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
Phase 1 of the refurbishment is due to complete in December, with the corridor widened and improved activity and spin studios. Work will then move on to the poolside changing village in phase 2.
The ambitious scheme is being delivered by Leisure Energy as the principal contractor leading on decarbonisation alongside their appointed sub-contractor JRD Design and Build, who are leading on the refurbishment.
TSA Riley is providing the RBC with project management and cost management services.
The centre is operated by RBC’s leisure provider, Lex Leisure who are working closely with users to communicate changes.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development Cllr Jonathan Wheeler said: “It’s very exciting to see works progressing on site and reaching a significant milestone with the arrival of the Net Zero Pod delivering pioneering green technology.
“This project is a great carbon clever example of how we are helping to reduce CO2 emissions and will go a long way towards achieving our environmental goals to operate as a carbon neutral Council by 2030.
“In total we’re investing £5.2m in these refurbishments and energy efficient upgrades over the next two years at Cotgrave and Keyworth leisure centres, which will enhance the quality and sustainability of the facilities for the community for future generations.”
Project Manager for Leisure Energy Project Manager Matt Jones added: “We are pleased to be assisting Rushcliffe Borough Council with their carbon reduction goals through both the refurbishments within the leisure centre and the installation of the Net Zero Pod and solar panels which will result in lower carbon emissions and help to ensure longevity of the facility for the community.”
TSA Riley Project Manager Abdul Alothman said: “TSA Riley is proud to provide project management, cost consultancy, and Principal Designer services for Rushcliffe Borough Council’s decarbonisation project at Cotgrave Leisure Centre.
“The innovative Net Zero Pod and solar panel installations are key milestones in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the Council’s goal to operate as a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030."
Adam Groves, Contract Manager for Lex Leisure added: “I am looking forward to welcoming customers old and new into the refurbished centre.
“New members can sign up for a membership for just £41 per month. Residents can find out more on the Cotgrave Leisure Centre website or ask in centre where our staff can provide details of memberships, swimming lessons and activities available.”
