We will receive £744,379 to improve the energy efficiency of Hoo Sports Centre.
We will receive the funding though Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund (SPSF) Phase II, which aims to support the environmental and financial stability of leisure centres through reduced energy consumption and lower carbon output.
Overall, 264 local authorities received a share of the funding, of which £20m has been provided by Sport England via the National Lottery and just over £40m has been provided by the government.
Hoo Sports Centre will benefit from the funding through solar panels being installed and old gas boilers being replaced with newer models.
Medway Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and is committed to achieving net zero carbon in Medway by 2050. Both of these improvements will help to significantly lower the carbon footprint of Hoo Sports Centre.
Brilliant we have secured this funding
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “We recognise both the importance and benefits of lowering our carbon footprint, so it is brilliant that we have secured this funding for Hoo Sports Centre. We have worked hard keep our leisure facilities open at a time when many around the country are closing, and identifying ways to improve the energy efficiency of our sports centres will help us continue to provide these much-needed community facilities.”
Starting from Easter, Medway sports centres will be introducing Holiday Family Swim Sessions. These give children and young people under 16 years the opportunity to swim for just £1 when accompanied by a fee-paying adult. Details of the designated sessions when this offer applies can be found on the holiday swimming pool timetable on each of the Medway sports centres websites.
To find out more about the SPSF visit Sport England’s website.