Fenland leisure centres welcome £114,300 energy upgrade

Fenland Council has invested £114,300 in energy efficiency improvements at three leisure centres, as part of an ongoing programme of upgrades.

Outdated and inefficient boilers at the George Campbell Leisure Centre in March, Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey and the Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech have been replaced with powerful, low NOx boilers.

The new installations, which emit less nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than standard boilers, have improved leisure centre and swimming pool temperatures. Their high efficiency is also generating higher than average energy savings.

The work is part of an ongoing £1.6million programme of upgrades to improve the energy efficiency and operation of the district’s four leisure centres, following a comprehensive review in partnership with centre operators, Freedom Leisure.

Other works in the past 12 months include gym changing room and reception area improvements and additional solar panels at the George Campbell, car park refurbishment at Chatteris Leisure Centre, tennis court improvements and increased solar capacity at the Manor, and new energy-efficient lighting at the Hudson.

Cabinet members will be provided with an update on works carried out in the last year and what’s planned for the next three to six months at a meeting on Monday, January 27.

Cllr Alex Miscandlon, Fenland’s portfolio holder for leisure, said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and so important in helping residents to remain healthy and active. Many pools across the country have faced a real threat to their survival in the last couple of years, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs and weakened reserves.

“However, Fenland District Council is proud to not only continue supporting our leisure centres through these challenges but to be investing in the facilities too. Ongoing energy efficiency improvements will enhance the quality of facilities for our customers and make the centres more environmentally and financially sustainable for years to come.”

Meanwhile, separate repair works at the George Campbell swimming pool are ongoing. The pool closed on December 16 for what was due to be a week, for routine maintenance to the filtration system, at a cost of £15,000.

However, during these works, contractors discovered further significant repairs and maintenance works were required to pipework underneath the pool, relating to the old outdoor swimming pool which closed in the 1980s.

While the repairs are being carried out, the Council is taking the opportunity to completely reline the pool as well, with the total cost expected to be around £167,000.

The pool is due to reopen on February 25. The gym and fitness classes are open and running as normal.

Cllr Miscandlon said: “We appreciate customers’ patience while these essential works are carried out at the George Campbell to futureproof the swimming pool and ensure it remains a resilient and well-loved facility. Freedom Leisure is in touch with customers most affected by the pool closure regarding their membership payments.”