Fenland leisure centres welcome energy upgrade

Outdated and inefficient boilers at the George Campbell Leisure Centre in March, Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey and the Hudson Leisure Centre in Wisbech have been replaced with powerful, low NOx boilers.

• Read: Freedom Leisure update on George Campbell swimming pool
• Read: Works to George Campbell swimming pool expected to be around £167k

The new installations, which emit fewer nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than standard boilers, have improved leisure centre and swimming pool temperatures. Their high efficiency is also generating higher than average energy savings.

The work is part of an ongoing £1.6million programme of upgrades to improve the energy efficiency and operation of the district's four leisure centres, following a comprehensive review in partnership with centre operators, Freedom Leisure.

Cllr Alex Miscandlon, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Leisure, pictured with the new boilers at the Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey.

Other works in the past 12 months include gym changing room and reception area improvements and additional solar panels at the George Campbell, car park refurbishment at Chatteris leisure centre, tennis court improvements and increased solar capacity at the Manor, and new energy efficient lighting at the Hudson.

Cabinet members will be provided with an update on works carried out in the last year and what's planned for the next 3-6 months at a meeting on Monday, 27 January.

Cllr Alex Miscandlon, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Leisure, said:

"Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and so important in helping residents to remain healthy and active. Many pools across the country have faced a real threat to their survival in the last couple of years, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs and weakened reserves.

"However, Fenland District Council is proud to not only continue supporting our leisure centres through these challenges but to be investing in the facilities too. Ongoing energy efficiency improvements will enhance the quality of facilities for our customers and make the centres more environmentally and financially sustainable for years to come."

Cllr Miscandlon at the Manor Leisure Centre swimming pool in Whittlesey which is being serviced by the new boilers.

George Campbell swimming pool

Meanwhile, separate repair works at the George Campbell swimming pool are ongoing. The pool closed on 16 December for what was due to be a week, for routine maintenance to the filtration system, at a cost of £15,000.

However, during these works contractors discovered further significant repair and maintenance works were required to pipework underneath the pool, relating to the old outdoor swimming pool which closed in the 1980s.

While the repairs are being carried out, the Council is taking the opportunity to completely reline the pool as well, with the total cost expected to be around £167,000.

The pool is due to reopen on 25 February 2025. The gym and fitness classes are open and running as normal.

Cllr Miscandlon said:

"We appreciate customers' patience while these essential works are carried out at the George Campbell to futureproof the swimming pool and ensure it remains a resilient and well-loved facility. Freedom Leisure is in touch with customers most affected by the pool closure regarding their membership payments."

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January 2025