Norwich City Council has approved plans to install over 600 solar panels on the roof of Riverside Leisure Centre, marking a significant step towards reducing the building's energy costs and carbon footprint.

Set to be installed in early 2024, the solar panels are expected to cut the leisure centre’s electricity bills by 33% and reduce carbon emissions by 75 tonnes annually. This project supports the council's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the popular facility.

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The total cost of the project is £895,000, with £520,000 funded by the government and Sport England’s £60m Swimming Pool Support Fund. The remaining £375,000 will be covered by the city council.

Since reopening after the pandemic, Riverside Leisure Centre, operated by Places Leisure on behalf of the council, has seen a strong recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic membership levels and recording over 350,000 visits last year.

Councillor Emma Hampton, cabinet member for climate change, said: "I'm delighted that we have been able to secure funding to install such a large solar array at Riverside Leisure Centre, future proofing the venue by reducing emissions and ensuring that we can continue to provide these much-loved community facilities for years to come.

"By placing solar panels on the roof and in the car park, we’re putting that empty space to good use – something we should aim to do more and more across the city as we work towards a net zero Norwich by 2045."