A £1.36million scheme is underway to overhaul Clacton Leisure Centre’s aging oil fired boilers with a modern, energy efficient heating system.

The swimming pool at the Tendring District Council run (TDC) facility in Vista Road will receive the eco friendly upgrade thanks to a successful bid for UK Government funding.

The project will replace the centre’s gas oil heating system with a modern, environmentally friendly air source heat pump, alongside the installation of solar panels on the sports hall roof.

To allow for essential structural upgrades to the roof ahead of the solar panel installation, the sports hall will be temporarily closed from Monday, 23 March, to Friday, 24 April.

All other areas of Clacton Leisure Centre will remain open as normal.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’S Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the upgrade would be welcomed by swimmers and families who use the popular facility.

“This is another significant investment in Clacton Leisure Centre and in the future of sports provision our district,” he said.

“By replacing an inefficient, outdated heating system with a clean, modern alternative, we are reducing running costs, cutting carbon emissions and ensuring the centre can continue to serve our community for many years to come — while also addressing the immediate need for a reliable heating system.

“We appreciate users’ patience during the works and the temporary closure of the sports hall, but these improvements will bring long term benefits that will make every visit more enjoyable while also protecting our local environment.

“We are proud of the services we provide to our residents, and this investment follows other recent improvements at our leisure centres, including upgrading the wetside changing village at Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles earlier this year.

“I would also like to thank Salix and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for their commitment, which supports the council’s and the UK wide effort to combat climate change and promote sustainability.”

Councillor Barry added that replacing the dated oil boilers with a modern electric system, combined with the installation of solar panels, will significantly reduce electricity demand and provide efficient heating for the swimming pool area.

TDC accepted a grant of more than £1.2million towards the cost of the £1.36million project from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme last year. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix to help the public sector reduce carbon emissions in line with the UK’s 2050 net zero target.

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger said: “This project is about putting community first.

“By replacing the centre’s old gas oil heating system with a modern air source heat pump and installing solar panels on the sports hall roof, Tendring District Council is creating a warmer, greener and more affordable space for local people to enjoy.

“Through support from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, we’re helping future-proof this much-loved facility, cutting carbon emissions and energy bills while ensuring it can continue serving residents for generations to come.”

The council will provide match funding of £164,248 to fully cover the cost of the works, which are being carried out by contractors Re Gen M&E Services.

Gary Beacon, associate director of Re Gen M&E Services, said: “We are pleased to be working with Tendring District Council on this important decarbonisation project.

“Our team will be working carefully to minimise disruption while carrying out the upgrades, which will provide the leisure centre with a modern, energy efficient heating system and new solar generation capacity.

“We’re proud to support improvements that will help reduce emissions and create a more sustainable facility for the community.”

For updates and further details, visit www.tendringleisure.co.uk or follow us on Facebook.

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