Decision Details

1. That the direction of the proposed current leisure centre decarbonisation schemes for the four leisure centres be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, to accept if successful, the Government Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme ‘Salix’ grant funding for the proposed schemes.

3. That the Strategic Director, in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism, be authorised to agree final proposals and implement the programme of works through the leisure development partner, Pulse Design and Build.

The proposed decarbonisation plans will significantly reduce the annual leisure centre annual carbon footprint, supporting the council’s environmental and carbon neutral aims of the Council’s Strategic Plan 2020-2024.

It is expected that the project, by including as much PV as possible will help mitigate and even reduce the current operational costs, delivering longer-term operational efficiencies and enable plant that is nearing the end of life to be replaced.

Whilst some capital funding will be required, by applying for GPSDS ‘Salix’ and if successful, this will save the Council significant costs of funding the schemes fully themselves from the Capital Budget and allow other projects to be delivered.

Applying for grant funding now and delivering any projects within two years of successful applications, will give the Council time to add further measures if necessary to reduce its target of Carbon Neutral by 2030.

1. Wait for further development of Hydrogen technology

2. Do nothing