We are delivering this multi-million pound project, procured using the UK Leisure Framework, which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL), on behalf of Wakefield Council. Work is scheduled to begin this autumn and is expected to be completed by March 2026.

 

The project will see the centre’s fossil fuel-based heating systems, including gas boilers and the combined heat and power (CHP) unit, replaced by three rooftop air source heat pumps (ASHPs). These will be installed alongside a suite of energy-efficiency upgrades including the installation of solar panels, upgrades to the building management system (BMS), replacement LED lighting throughout, new heat emitters, the integration of an 8,000-litre thermal store to optimise heating performance plus general upgrades to the electrical infrastructure.

 

Tom Gardner, Business Development Manager, said:

“Through the UK Leisure Framework, we have delivered many decarbonisation projects for various councils. Bringing together such a stellar group of experts we ensure fast, compliant procurement and a highly efficient delivery from planning through to project completion. This project is no different. Works will ensure a vast improvement in the energy efficiency of the leisure centre, taking the council one step further along its ambitious decarbonisation journey.”

 

The project has been made possible by funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), plus the council’s own reserves. A total pot of almost £5 million is being invested which also includes the support of works at Upton Primary School in Pontefract, being delivered separately.

 

To deliver the project, the experienced partners include: Hensall as Principal Contractor, CGP MEP as MEP designer, Bradshaw Gass and Hope as Principal Designer and Axiom as project manager and quantity surveyor.

 

Cllr George Ayre, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, adds: