Hundreds of solar panels have been installed as part of a major green energy upgrade.
A total of 570 panels are now in place at Andover Leisure Centre, reducing its carbon emissions and supporting environmental targets for the area.
The panels are expected to save more than 50 tonnes of carbon each year and have been part-funded by Places Leisure, along with a £200,000 grant from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.
Danny Churcher, contract manager at Places Leisure, said: "The installation of these new solar panels is a big step forward and will contribute significantly to reducing the centre’s carbon footprint.
"We have been working in close partnership with Test Valley Borough Council to bring this project to life with support from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund."
Andover Leisure Centre is operated by Places Leisure on behalf of Test Valley Borough Council.
The solar project supports Test Valley’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and its goal of reaching net zero emissions.
Councillor Alison Johnston, portfolio holder for climate emergency and countryside at Test Valley Borough Council, said: "The completion of this solar panel installation at Andover Leisure Centre marks another important step in our journey toward a greener, more sustainable Test Valley.
Andover Leisure Centre (Image: Places Leisure)
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"By significantly cutting carbon emissions, this project supports our refreshed Climate Emergency Action Plan and our wider ambition to reach net zero.
"We are proud to be working in partnership with Places Leisure and Sport England to deliver real improvements that benefit both the environment and our local community."
The funding scheme forms part of a nationwide effort to keep swimming pools and leisure centres running while making them more sustainable.
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, executive director of place at Sport England, said: "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."
The solar panels are expected to help make the centre more energy efficient and cost-effective to run, supporting long-term community access.
Mr Churcher said: "Places Leisure is committed to supporting and collaborating with our partners to decarbonise the centres we manage; Andover Leisure Centre is a great example of this."
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