Swimming pools across West Midlands to benefit from funding
Dozens of leisure centres will get a share of £60m across the country.
Last updated 15th Apr 2024
Dozens of swimming pools across the West Midlands will get a share of £60 million to improve their energy efficiency and keep running costs down.
The funding from the Government and Sport England will be used on things like new heating systems, solar panels, better insulation and other energy saving interventions.
In total, 325 swimming pools and leisure centres across England will receive a share of the funding.
Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “We are sticking to our plan to get millions more people active by 2030, because we know that active people are fitter, happier and healthier.
“Millions of people swim every year in England, but increased energy costs mean some pools are struggling financially.
“This further £60 million of support from the Government and Sport England will ensure hundreds of swimming pools can lower their operating costs in the long run, and continue to provide an important service for communities across the country.”
Among centres in the West Midlands to benefit are:
- The Wem Swimming and Lifestyle Centre in Shropshire has received over £138,000 for better insulation and new solar panels
- Handsworth Wellbeing Centre in Birmingham has received £250,000 for a new boiler and pool covers
- Abbey Stadium Sports Centre in Redditch has received £205,000 for new solar panels
- Pingles Leisure Centre in Nuneaton has received over £420,000 for new solar panels and pool covers
Sport England Executive Director for Place Lisa Dodd-Mayne said: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.
“Many pools have faced a real and significant threat to their survival this year, as local authorities and operators have battled the challenge of increased energy and wider costs, weakened reserves and difficulties with retaining staff.
“Sport England is proud of the role we’ve played in supporting these facilities through this difficult period. We hope today’s funding announcement will enable more public pools to improve their energy efficiency to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so they remain available for future generations to enjoy.”