Masterstroke! Swim joy as £550k turns pool green

The flagship project was launched after the borough council battled to secure Government money from what is called the Swimming Pool Support Fund.

Ageing roof-mounted mechanical ventilation has been ripped out at Ilkeston’s Victoria Park Leisure Centre. It has been replaced by a state-of-the-art high-efficiency air handling unit.

New ducts, heating pipes and grilles have been installed along with thermal insulation and an advanced “BMS” – building management system. There have been upgrades to controls and water treatment systems – all of which “enhance user comfort and indoor air quality”.

The improvements include the installation of 124 rooftop solar panels – further helping to slash energy consumption and carbon emissions. The panels are expected to generate 49,109 kWh of renewable electricity annually.

Fans of the pool – which is home to the thriving Ilkeston Swimming Club – say splashing out to upgrade the popular leisure centre has been well worth it. A spokeswoman for the club said of the investment: “This is all great news.”

Funding for the project has involved Sport England and the National Lottery. Erewash council also made a bid for West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton to get a chunk of cash but was unsuccessful. Both sites are run by Parkwood Leisure, which has a contract with the authority. The firm’s managing director Glen Hall said the Victoria Park centre’s carbon footprint will dramatically reduce – with tonnes less CO2 being emitted each year.

Mr Hall said: “We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our leisure centres.

“The new solar PV system at Victoria Park is a fantastic example of how renewable energy can make a real difference in supporting community health and wellbeing while protecting the environment.”

Cllr Josy Hare, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Our teams did a fantastic job securing this investment to turn the Victoria Park Leisure Centre into a modern eco-friendly facility that is even more welcoming for customers.”

Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is Lead Member for Environment, said: “The upgrades to the leisure centre are the latest example of the council’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. This kind of investment will pay dividends for generations to come.”