Solar panels to be installed at Hinckley Leisure Centre

Work will start on Monday 10 February and is targeted for completion within two weeks of that date. The leisure centre will remain open as usual throughout the works.

The project will cost £250,000 and is being partially funded by a £120,000 grant awarded to Hinckley Leisure Centre from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund. The Borough Council will fund the difference.

The Borough Council, which has led the project with Leisure Centre operators Places Leisure, was granted planning consent last September.

The new solar panels are expected to reduce over 52,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide in the first year.

Simon Churchman, Area Manager for Places Leisure, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council with the installation of Solar Photo-voltaic panels at Hinckley Leisure Centre. This project will have a significant impact on reducing utility consumption as well as carbon reduction. Places Leisure is committed to supporting and collaborating with our partners to decarbonise the centres we manage.” 

Cllr Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, said: “This project is a great example of how the Borough Council is being proactive in its quest to look after the environment.

“It feeds into the council’s desire to decarbonise the facility and supports the Climate and Biodiversity Strategy.

“Hinckley Leisure Centre was the first in the country to be fully LED lit so this new package will further enhance its environmental credentials.”