Installation of solar panels at the Aspire Leisure Centre in Stanmore is nearing completion.
The Centre received funding from Harrow Council, which applied to the Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund to help offset rising utility costs. This fund, set up by the government, supports sports facilities across the UK.
The Aspire Leisure Centre, Europe’s first fully accessible centre for both disabled and non-disabled people, is known for its warm pool and accessible facilities, including ramped access for wheelchair users.
The solar panels, installed by My Power UK, are expected to save the charity over £26,000 annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 28 tonnes. The installation includes 364 Vertex 430w panels and two 60kw inverters, estimated to generate 138,448 kWh in the first year.
Dean Tearle, Aspire Leisure Centre Manager, said, “It’s fantastic to receive this funding which will help us to keep our utility costs as low as possible and maintain an inclusive and warm swimming pool for our disabled and non-disabled customers.”
Harrow East MP Bob Blackman commented, “I was so pleased to visit the Aspire Leisure Centre recently and witness the wonderful work the team do to support all those who seek to use the facilities.
“It was great to see the solar panel installation finally take place, made possible through the £167,000 grant awarded by the previous Conservative Government.
“I was thrilled to learn that this money will save over 30% on electricity costs and hopes to pay for itself within 5 years. I look forward to returning to the centre once the installation is complete.”
More information about Aspire Leisure Centre is available at www.aspireleisurecentre.org.uk.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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