Watford roof to be fitted out with 655 solar panels thanks to £403k grant

Hundreds of solar panels have been installed at a leisure centre thanks to £403k funding.

Watford Borough Council, in partnership with Everyone Active and Leisure Energy, has installed 655 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Woodside Leisure Centre.

The project was made possible through a £403,900 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, designed to protect and sustain community sports facilities across the country.

The newly installed solar panels are projected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including saving approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and reducing energy consumption at the leisure centre by 259.22 megawatt-hours. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Hundreds of solar panels have been installed at a leisure centre. (Image: Watford Borough Council) The newly installed solar panels are projected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including saving approximately 50 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and reducing energy consumption at the leisure centre by 259.22 megawatt-hours.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor, said: “A huge thank you to Sport England for their generous support, which has enabled us to enhance the sustainability of our leisure facilities.

“Installing 655 solar panels at Woodside Leisure Centre will lower our energy bills, reduce our carbon footprint, and help us towards achieving our carbon-neutral target by 2030.

“This project reflects our commitment to providing affordable, high-quality facilities for residents while also promoting sustainability.”

Mayor of Watford and other representatives inspecting the solar panels. (Image: Watford Borough Council) The project complements ongoing energy efficiency initiatives across Watford, including improvements to the Watford Palace Theatre, Orbital Community Centre, Harebreaks Community Centre, town hall, and Watford Colosseum.

These projects incorporate advanced technologies such as air source heat pumps, enhanced insulation, and solar panels, collectively contributing to significant carbon emission reductions.

The town hall’s refurbishment earned an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of C, a rare accomplishment for a Grade II listed building.

These upgrades, which include vacuum-glazing, roof and cavity wall insulation, and PV solar panels, are projected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 166 tonnes and gas bills by 40 per cent.

The project complements ongoing energy efficiency initiatives across Watford, including improvements to the Watford Palace Theatre, Orbital Community Centre, Harebreaks Community Centre, town hall, and Watford Colosseum. (Image: Watford Borough Council) Peggy Lee, Group Sustainability Manager for Everyone Active, added: “Having onsite renewable energy generation at Woodside Leisure Centre is a fantastic step forward in reducing the centre’s carbon footprint.

“We are proud to collaborate with the council to achieve its net zero goals, which align closely with our own sustainability strategy.”

Watford’s mayor added: “These efforts are part of my manifesto promise to create a greener, more sustainable Watford.

“By investing in renewable energy and improving energy efficiency, we are building a healthier, more resilient community for everyone.”