Huntingdonshire District Council has been awarded £700,000 of funding from Sport England for One Leisure St Ives as part of Phase 2 of the Swimming Pool Support Fund.
The allocated funds will specifically go towards the installation of solar panels and triple glazing at St Ives Leisure Centre. These measures align with the council's commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the facility remains environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.
Launched by Sport England, Phase 2 of the Swimming Pool Support Fund aims to assist operators in managing utility costs while investing in the long-term sustainability and energy efficiency of public facilities with pools. A total of £60 million, comprising £40 million from the government and an additional £20 million from Sport England, was made available for local authorities committed to upgrading their aquatic facilities.
Gregg Holland, Head of Leisure and Health at Huntingdonshire District Council, said: "This funding represents a tremendous opportunity for the enhancement of St Ives Leisure Centre. We are grateful to Sport England for recognising the importance of sustaining and improving public amenities for the long-term benefit of our community. This investment not only enhances the overall experience for people using One Leisure St Ives but also contributes to the council's broader goals of reducing its carbon footprint."
Sport England will administer the scheme on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, which is providing the money. The fund is being made available in two phases:
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Phase 1: £20 million revenue to support facilities with swimming pools with increased cost pressures
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Phase 2: £40 million capital to improve the energy efficiency of public facilities with pools in the medium to.
long term along with £20 million of lottery funding.
More information on the second phase can be found on the Sport England website.