Six key swimming pool sites in Gloucestershire will soon start work on major refurbishments after an award of over £1.2 million to help improve energy efficiency and lower running costs.
The leisure centres include GL1 in Gloucester, Sandford Parks Lido in Cheltenham, The Pulse in Dursley, Cotswold Leisure in Cirencester, Freedom Leisure in Lydney and Wotton Pool.
Improvement projects of various sizes and costs will be carried out at each site with the funding, including installing state-of-the-art solar panels and variable speed filtration pumps and adding pool covers, LED lighting and improving insulation.
GL1 in Gloucester receives the highest amount, being awarded £432,500, which will help to secure its long-term financial sustainability after a period of closure last year while the council sought a new facilities provider.
Ruth Saunders, corporate director at Gloucester City Council, said: 'We are delighted that GL1 Leisure Centre will be given a
significant financial boost.
'This will help to make the building more energy efficient, reducing costs and helping to secure its long-term future for the community in Gloucester.'
The Pulse, which is run by Stroud District Council, receives almost £300,000 which it will put towards the refurbishment of its entrance area and a new air-handling unit; while Wotton Pool, which is run largely by volunteers, secures £6,000 for new 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 the 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.'
