The upgrades, include state-of-the art new heating and ventilation systems, led by Leisure Energy as Principal Contractor on behalf of the council. The project will include removal of the gas boilers and the Combined Heat and Power unit that are at the end of their life, with the installation of the Net Zero Pod which contains air source heat pumps, roof mounted solar panels, replacement air handling and a heat recovery system. This equipment will provide a more sustainable and economical building and will significantly reduce the carbon emissions from the Centre.
The £6.3m project, the majority of which is funded by a successful bid for £5.4 million through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, is one of the largest grants awarded for a single site in the country, and is projected to also save the council over £100,000 a year in utility costs.
The remaining £889,480 of funding for the project has come from the Royal Borough’s Carbon Offset Fund, containing ring-fenced funding for projects that reduce carbon emission, that is made up of developers’ contributions.
Councillor Karen Davies, Cabinet member for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Windsor Town Council, said: “This exciting project allows us to renovate one of our most popular leisure centres, bring down energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint, all at no cost to our residents.
“We’re committed to creating a cleaner, greener borough and this is a great example of our continuing work with partners to provide a better experience whilst protecting our environment and reducing carbon emissions.”
Mike Worsnop, Strategic Director at Leisure Energy said: “We are proud to have supported the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead with the successful PSDS funding application of £6.3m for Windsor Leisure Centre and to have been appointed Principal Designer and Contractor on the installation. We look forward to working with the Council to finalise the design and take the project forward to construction phase.”
Work is due to complete in 2026 and follows the recent announcement of a new 15-year contract, awarded by the council to Leisure Focus Trust which will see improved spaces and activities delivered to residents at six Leisure Centres across the borough.
More information on sport and leisure in the borough is available on our website or for local leisure centre and membership information visit leisurefocus.org.uk