A swimming pool is set to benefit from energy-saving measures, as a new wave of Government funding has been announced.
The Government and Sport England has today (Saturday, March 23) announced that 325 swimming pools and leisure centres across the country will receive a share of £60.5 million to ensure their long term financial sustainability as part of the latest Swimming Pool Support Fund investment.
It follows almost 200 swimming pools that received a share of £20 million through phase one of the Swimming Pool Support Fund, and aims to improve pools’ energy efficiency to keep running costs down.
It includes funding for new heating systems, solar panels, better insulation and other energy saving interventions.
Newark Sports and Fitness Centre has been given £61,356 from the funding pot, to fund pool covers.
It had also recieved funding in phase one, alongside Southwell Leisure Centre and Dukeries Leisure Centre in New Ollerton.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of place for Sport England, said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
"Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
"Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable, so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “We are sticking to our plan to get millions more people active by 2030, because we know that active people are fitter, happier and healthier.
“Millions of people swim every year in England, but increased energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.
“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will ensure hundreds of swimming pools can lower their operating costs in the long run, and continue to provide an important service for communities across the country.”
