Funding awarded to improve energy efficiency of Applemore Leisure Centre
New Forest District Council (NFDC) has been awarded £1.8m in funding to install new energy efficiency measures at Applemore Leisure Centre.
The funding will enable the council to put a range of energy saving measures in place, including cavity wall and roof insulation, additional solar panels, and improved heating systems, such as air source heat pumps, air handling units, and low temperature hot water systems.
The council has been awarded the funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which is delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Cllr Dan Poole, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Safety, and Wellbeing, said: “We’re grateful to have received this funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which will help us to improve the energy efficiency of Applemore Leisure Centre.
With these measures, we’ll reduce carbon emissions, lower running costs, and create a more sustainable future for our community.
Upgrading our buildings is a key part of our commitment to tackling climate change, both locally and nationally, and I look forward to seeing the many benefits these improvements will bring to our residents, and district.”
Ivan Horsfall Turner, CEO Freedom Leisure, said: “We are absolutely delighted that this funding has been awarded to support the decarbonisation of Applemore Health and Leisure.
As the leisure operator, we are proud to be working in collaboration with the council on this important initiative.
This investment marks a significant next step in building on the environmental improvements and renewable energy initiatives already implemented at the leisure centre, and we are excited to continue playing an active role in supporting this project from planning through to successful completion.
This is yet another example of how a strong partnership between the council and Freedom Leisure can successfully address climate change and help create greener, more energy efficient community spaces.”
Ian Rodger, Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix, said: “We have no time to stand still in the face of climate change.
The project at Applemore Leisure Centre will significantly reduce council carbon emissions and help it progress towards net zero goals.
The local community will benefit in many ways, not least having a more sustainable leisure centre for the future.”
The installation of the energy saving measures has now started at Applemore Leisure Centre and will take place over a three year phased project period.
The first year of the project will include design and planning, with onsite activity due to start from 1 April 2026.
More information about New Forest District Council’s climate aims is available on their website: https://newforest.gov.uk/climatechange
