Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles is saving up to £64,000 a year after major infrastructure upgrades cut energy use at the centre by more than a third.

The seafront leisure centre, run by Tendring District Council (TDC), has introduced new swimming pool covers, LED lighting and a state-of-the-art air handling unit linked to a building management system to make the building more efficient and cheaper to run.

The project followed a successful application to the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund and was facilitated by Sport England as part of a £60million UK-wide investment to improve the energy efficiency of public swimming facilities.

The partnership approach, led by TDC, has provided a total investment of £362,806 into the Lifestyles project, with a £94,500 contribution from the fund helping to support the improvements.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, said the results show how well programmed spending on public leisure facilities and eco-friendly initiatives can benefit residents while saving taxpayers’ money.

“Leisure centres play an important role in supporting people’s health and wellbeing, but they are complex buildings with significant operating and energy costs,” he said.

“By investing in pool covers, LED lighting and smarter systems to manage the building, we are cutting waste, saving money and helping to secure a more sustainable future for the centre.”

Councillor Adrian Smith, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said the upgrades form part of wider work by TDC to reduce energy use across its leisure estate, make public buildings more efficient to run, and support the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan alongside its Sport and Activity Strategy for Tendring.

“Improving energy efficiency is one of the most practical ways we can reduce our environmental impact while also delivering better value for residents,” he said.

“The progress made at Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles shows that taking better care of the environment can also mean saving money — and that practical action like this can make a real difference.

“It is good for the environment, good for taxpayers and good for the long-term future of local services.”

He added that the council is continuing to make improvements in energy efficiency across its buildings and sports facilities, including further work at Clacton Leisure Centre.

Attached image shows Councillor Adian Smith and Councillor Mick Barry with the new swimming pool covers at Walton-on-the-Naze Lifestyles. Image: TDC