Leisure centre gets £4m renewable energy plant

A leisure centre has completed work on a £4m renewable energy scheme aimed at reducing its heating costs and cutting CO2 emissions.

Grantham Meres has removed its gas boilers and installed an air source heat pump and 576 solar panels as part of a government-funded decarbonisation scheme.

South Kesteven District Council said the technology should cut energy bills by £170,000 a year and reduce carbon emissions by more than 550 tonnes annually.

A spokesperson said the council’s three leisure centres made up 41% of the authority’s total carbon emissions due to the energy used for heating and hot water, as well as electricity to power the buildings.

The council is aiming to reduce its total CO2 output by 30% by 2030.

Councillor Rhys Baker said: “Grantham Meres Leisure Centre is now the benchmark for net zero leisure facilities.

“When we formulated this project in 2023, the motivation behind our plans was not only to reduce carbon emissions, but also to respond to hugely increased energy costs for the centre.”

The Meres has four swimming pools, a gym and sports halls.

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