Work is to begin to provide modern and energy-efficient leisure facilities in both Harrogate and Knaresborough following an investment from Harrogate Borough Council.

The Hydro in Harrogate will receive an extension and refurbishment of the existing facilities, a 400sqm fitness suite, a new sauna and steam suite, improved reception and café and an overhaul of the existing gym and leisure facilities.

Outside, the building will be remodelled to complement the surrounding environment with a reconfigured car park, landscaping, bicycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.

The existing gas boilers will be replaced with air source heat pumps and the installation of 250 solar panels, as well as new metering and energy monitoring and control systems.

These energy efficiency measures come following a successful bid from the Borough Council through the government's Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) public sector decarbonisation scheme, and are anticipated to half the carbon footprint of the leisure centre.

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The diving structure will also be replaced so that it can continue to create and nurture future Olympians, such as Jack Laugher MBE and Oliver Dingley.

The project will be carried out in phases with the refurbished pool hall and changing village re-opening in January 2023 and the 'dry side' activity space by April 2023.

The Hydro will close on Friday (8 April) and anyone wishing to continue to swim can do so at Starbeck Baths, Knaresborough Swimming Pool, Nidderdale Swimming Pool in Pateley Bridge and at the new pool at the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in Ripon. Opening times are available on the Brimhams Active website .

The new facility leisure and wellness centre in Knaresborough will provide a six-lane 25metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, spin studio, café, electric car charging points, bicycle storage and large modern play area.

It is also due to be built to the BREEAM standard of 'excellent'. BREEAM is a recognised scheme that provides third-party certification for the assessment of the sustainability performance of individual buildings.

It will also incorporate high efficiency building materials, air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint. Achieve this BREEAM accreditation will contribute to the council's vision to have a net zero-carbon economy by 2038.

Work will start on 26 April and is due to be completed by July 2023. During this time the existing pool will remain open. Once complete, the existing pool will close and be demolished, to be replaced by the new play area. This is due to take a further 15-weeks.