Funding secured for green energy at MyActive New Mills

High Peak Borough Council has secured almost £600,000 from Sport England for a project to reduce the carbon footprint at MyActive New Mills.

Subject to receiving the necessary approvals, the £587,000 grant will be used to install a range of photovoltaic panels on areas of the leisure centre roof and to upgrade some plant room equipment to enable the building to operate more efficiently.

Welcoming the grant funding, Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: “Securing this funding comes at a time where the Council has declared a climate emergency and set a target of net zero carbon in our operations by 2030. We’ve also recently set up a Council-owned health and wellbeing company to invest in and manage all our leisure centres under the MyActive brand.

“Reducing carbon emissions at our centres is key to helping achieve our net zero target so we’re delighted to receive this funding from Sport England to help fund energy efficiency improvements at New Mills.

“This significant investment is expected to start early next year and follows the work that’s now almost finished at MyActive Buxton - Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre - to install solar panels and air source heat pumps. Projects like these are a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring our leisure centres are fit for the future and we thank Sport England for their invaluable funding award.”

Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director – Place at Sport England added: “Swimming pools and leisure centres are vital community resources and are enormously important in helping people to be physically active.

“Sport England is proud of the role we play in supporting these facilities. This funding for New Mills will help improve energy efficiency and enable the centre to be more environmentally and financially sustainable so it remains available for future generations to enjoy.”

The Council has also carried out some initial engagement with specific user groups on the potential of making further significant improvements at New Mills and is working with architects and specialist contractors to refine the plans before wider consultation with members of the public starts in November when people will be able to comment on them.

Councillor Greenhalgh added: “We’re investing in our leisure centres to provide our communities with the modern facilities they deserve to support their health and wellbeing. 

“In New Mills, we’ve carried out some initial engagement with centre users, stakeholders and local councillors but it’s important that we hear from everyone interested in the future development of the leisure centre before we make any final decisions.

“We want the centre to offer services and facilities that benefit as many people as possible, so I look forward to being able share the proposals next month and hearing  from local people via a public consultation process before we finalise plans.”