Solar panels to be installed at city swimming pool

The solar panels will be installed at Perdiswell Leisure Centre in the next year

Solar panels are being installed on a swimming pool roof in an attempt to reduce carbon emissions and ensure the future of a popular city leisure facility.

Worcester City Council was awarded almost £200,000 for the project, which will also involve upgrading the building management system at Perdiswell Leisure Centre in Worcester.

The authority said the new panels would reduce emissions from the facility by 84 tonnes per year once installed.

They are expected to be in place by March 2025 and come with equipment which will use excess power to heat water for showers.

The leisure centre will also have a new energy efficient water recovery system that will clean and re-use water as well as fans to recirculate warm air to help reduce energy usage.

A further pot of money totalling almost £60,000 will see solar panels and a building management system installed at Worcester Citizens' Swimming Baths Association’s pool at Lower Wick.

Lloyd Griffiths, the council's director of operations, homes and communities, said the money was much needed after a period when energy bills had been rising.

“That, combined with the environmental benefits of these new technologies, will ensure the future of one of Worcester's most popular leisure facilities,” he said.

Perdiswell Leisure Centre, which opened in 2017 as part of a £10.5m investment, hosts Worcester's flagship swimming facilities.

The eight lane 25m competition standard pool and smaller teaching pool both operate seven days a week, providing weekly swimming lessons to more than 2,500 people, and hosting regional competitions.