North Herts Council in the UK is set to deliver one of the nation's largest decarbonisation projects with the aim of reaching net zero carbon emissions from operations by 2030 in three of its major sport, health and fitness and leisure facilities.

Following the council’s successful bid for £7.74 million from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, it will be investing £16.4 million in decarbonising and modernising three of its sites, to reduce carbon emissions by more than 60 per cent and improve energy efficiency.

Local firm, and decarbonisation specialists, Willmott Dixon Construction, has been awarded the construction contract, which will involve replacing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, upgrading air handling units, improving insulation and glazing and introducing energy-efficient systems throughout each building.

Facilities upgrades are also planned: North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth will have a new changing village and flume. Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre will benefit from a refurbished health suite and gym changing rooms, while the gym will be extended at Royston Leisure Centre and the changing village refurbished.

Mark Leahy, regional contract manager at Everyone Active, which operates the facilities, says: “By taking this opportunity to enhance customer-facing areas as well as improving energy efficiency, the council is making a smart, future-focused investment that benefits residents now and in the long term.”

Works are expected to begin in Q3 and be completed by Q2 2026 and there will be some temporary closures and reduced services while the work is undertaken.

As a result of the disruption, the outdoor swimming seasons at Hitchin and Letchworth pools will be extended, access will be provided to all Everyone Active leisure centres for members and direct debits for members will be reduced or paused during closures.