Leisure Centre Decarbonisation

West Northamptonshire Council and Telford and Wrekin Borough Council wanted a cleaner, cheaper way to run their leisure centres – and a clear path to net zero by 2030.

The centres had heavy energy demands from pools, heating and ventilation. Most relied on old gas systems, so removing that dependency was the first challenge.

Designing practical upgrades that work day to day

We brought together building services engineers, building surveyors, structural specialists and planning colleagues so each upgrade worked smoothly with the existing buildings.

Across four sites in West Northamptonshire – Brackley, Daventry, Moulton, Towcester – we designed full decarbonisation strategies built around simple, proven actions. Low temperature air source heat pumps replaced gas boilers. Photovoltaic arrays were optimised to provide more renewable power on site. Some buildings needed roof strengthening for new equipment. Others needed new external plant spaces that fitted naturally into the layout.

In Telford and Wrekin, we focused on Newport Swimming Pool. We replaced its ageing heating system with a modern ASHP and upgraded filtration and the pool tank while on site. Ventilation and lighting systems were also refreshed with energy-saving solutions that improved efficiency without affecting comfort.

Throughout all five schemes, the goal was the same: keep the work moving, minimise disruption and make the most of Salix funding while upgrading buildings people rely on every day.

Results that cut carbon and steady running costs

Together, these upgrades removed more than 5.5MW of gas-powered heating. Carbon emissions fell by up to 85% per site, giving both councils a major step toward their Net Zero 2030 targets.

The new systems are cleaner, quieter and more reliable. Electricity demand is lower thanks to onsite generation, and day-to-day running costs are much easier to manage. Each centre now runs on low-carbon energy that fits naturally into daily operations.

A long-term foundation for Net Zero

The impact goes beyond carbon savings. These upgrades strengthen muchloved community spaces and make future maintenance simpler. They also help both councils stretch funding further, creating efficient, welcoming places to swim, train and connect long into the future.

Each centre now has a clear, practical route to net zero and a building that works better for the people who use it.