In a significant development for Cornwall’s public leisure facilities, six swimming pools across the region have been granted a total of £430,000 from the government to enhance their energy efficiency.
This financial boost aims to diminish operational costs and promote sustainability within these community hubs. The funding is a collaborative effort between Sport England, the National Lottery, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Solar Panels and Pool Cover Enhancements
The beneficiaries of this funding include St Ives, Camelford, and Carn Brea Leisure Centres, Helston Sports Centre, Wadebridge Sport & Leisure Centre, and Jubilee Pool in Penzance. The allocated funds will be directed towards the installation of solar panels at the five leisure centres, with Jubilee Pool set to receive a new pool cover. These upgrades are expected to lead to substantial energy savings and a reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with broader environmental sustainability goals.
Strategic Funding Application
Cornwall Council played a pivotal role in securing the funding, with the South West Net Zero Hub providing crucial support during the application process to Sport England. The funding forms part of the government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF), which earmarked £80 million to assist local authorities in England in enhancing the energy efficiency of public leisure facilities that feature swimming pools. This endeavour is split into two phases, with the second phase focusing on a £40 million capital funding boost supplemented by £20 million from the lottery, specifically for energy efficiency improvements.
Community Impact
Carol, Cornwall’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, expressed enthusiasm over the funding, highlighting its potential to significantly reduce energy costs, lower emissions, and ensure the long-term viability of these essential community assets. Meanwhile, Jon, the programme manager of the South West Net Zero Hub, noted the positive implications of installing solar panels on the facilities, which will offer long-term operational cost savings and contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint of these valued community buildings. The Hub is committed to offering further assistance to ensure the successful implementation of these systems later in the year.
National Demand and Future Prospects
The demand for the SPSF Phase II funding was notably high, with applications nationally requesting four times the available budget of £60 million. This underscores the widespread recognition of the need for energy efficiency improvements within public leisure facilities across England. The investment in Cornwall’s swimming pools not only marks a step forward in the region’s environmental sustainability efforts but also sets a precedent for similar enhancements across the country, promising a greener, more cost-effective future for public leisure services.
