New solar panels have been installed on the roof of Warsop Health Hub to improve the leisure centre’s energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint.
The £9.2m hub opened in 2024 and its design included 24 solar panels on the roof. With the additional 248 panels, the amount of electricity they generate will be increased from 9,612kWh to an estimated 114,952kWh annually, supporting the organisation’s net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 plans..
Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, said: “I’m delighted to see these new solar panels installed at the Warsop Health Hub, increasing the centre’s solar energy power by more than ten times. The reduction in energy costs will help Warsop Health Hub to continue its excellent work in providing first class facilities for people to stay active, relax and have somewhere to meet friends and family.”
Cllr Andy Burgin, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure, said: “Thanks to Sport England’s funding of this scheme, we will now be able to improve the energy efficiency of the Hub and save a substantial amount in electricity bills.
“It’s also a big step forward to our priorities on protecting the environment in our role as ambassadors for change by contributing to a net zero infrastructure to minimise the council’s carbon emissions.”
Sport England has funded £88,500 of the new panels for the leisure centre, with the remaining £10,000 coming from the council. The energy savings are expected to pay back the cost of the installation within four years.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director, Partnerships and Place, Sport England, said: “Every pound saved on energy is a pound that can be reinvested in helping people get active as well as helping the environment. Creating more sustainable sports facilities is essential if we want communities to stay active.
“Warsop Health Hub is already exceeding its targets and has become a vibrant part of the community. This investment is helping make Warsop Health Hub greener, more efficient and ready to serve its community for years to come.”
Matt Hancock, Contract Manager for Leisure Solutions Community Trust which operates the centre in partnership with Serco Leisure, said: "By adding these solar panels, we're reducing operating costs, lowering our carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable leisure facility. This is an important investment in the long-term future of Warsop Health Hub, helping us to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide a modern, welcoming environment for everyone who uses the Hub."
The new panels were unveiled by Executive Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abrahams, Cllr Andy Burgin, Matt Hancock from Leisure Solutions Community Trust and members of Mansfield District Council’s Climate Change Working Group.
For more information on Warsop Health Hub, visit https://www.moreleisure.com/warsop-health-hub,