Contract awarded to decarbonise North Herts leisure centres

North Herts Council has given the green light to Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd for one of the UK's largest leisure centre decarbonisation projects.

This initiative aims to enhance the energy efficiency of the region's leisure centres, aligning with the council's goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The project, approved on May 20, follows a successful bid for £7.74 million from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

The funding will facilitate significant upgrades at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, and Royston Leisure Centre.

The upgrades will involve replacing old gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, and improving insulation and glazing.

Once completed, the project is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions across all three sites by more than 60 per cent, helping the council keep on track with climate targets.

Councillor Mick Debenham, executive member for environment, leisure, and green spaces at North Herts Council, said: "This is a major step forward in making our leisure centres fit for the future.

"These upgrades will not only cut carbon and reduce energy use, they’ll help create better, more modern leisure facilities for our residents to enjoy."

The council is also investing in modernising leisure facilities, including a gym extension and refurbished changing village at Royston Leisure Centre, a new changing village and flume at North Herts Leisure Centre, and refurbishment of the health suite and gym changing rooms at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre.

Steve Kitchen, delivery director at Willmott Dixon, said: "As a company with a strong commitment to sustainability, we’re looking forward to working with North Herts Council in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across vital community facilities."

The project will necessitate some temporary closures and reduced services during the works, including a partial weekday pool closure at Hitchin for around five months.

The council will extend the lido season at both Hitchin and Letchworth to maintain access to swimming during this period.

Works are expected to begin this summer and complete by spring 2026.