Alliance Leisure has started work on two new energy efficient leisure developments in Yorkshire, after a multi-million-pound investment from Harrogate Borough Council
The two new energy efficient leisure developments will transform leisure provision for the communities of Harrogate and Knaresborough, whilst also supporting the Councils net zero carbon ambitions.
In Harrogate, The Hydro will benefit from an extension and refurbishment of existing facilities to include a 400sqm fitness suite, a new sauna and steam suite, improved reception, and café plus an overhaul of the existing pool and leisure facilities.
The building will be remodelled to compliment the surrounding environment with landscaping, a reconfigured car park, bicycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.
Energy efficient, air source heat pumps will replace the existing gas boilers and 250 solar panels are in the process of being installed along with new energy monitoring and control systems.
‘Good news for the council’s net zero targets, good news for residents and ultimately, good news for the planet’
James Foley, commercial director and strategic project lead, at Alliance Leisure, commented: “Funding for these game-changing energy efficiency measures is the result in part of a successful bid we prepared for the Council to submit to the government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
“Measures are expected to half the carbon footprint of the leisure centre. Good news for the council’s net zero targets, good news for residents and ultimately, good news for the planet.”
The Hydro project will be carried out in phases, with the refurbished pool hall and changing village re-opening in January 2023 and the ‘dry side’ activity space completed by April 2023.
In Knaresborough, a new-build leisure and wellness centre will provide a six-lane 25-metre pool, activity pool with flume, sauna and steam room, fitness suite and studio, group cycle studio and café.
Outside, a large modern play area will be added, alongside electric car charging points and bicycle storage.
The centre will be built to a BREEAM standard of ‘excellent’ and will incorporate high efficiency building materials, air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint.
‘Supporting the Council’s ambition to deliver a net zero-carbon economy by 2038’
Foley added: “BREEAM is a recognised scheme that provides third-party certification for the assessment of the sustainability performance of individual buildings. Meeting the ‘excellent’ standard of efficiency will support the Council’s ambition to deliver a net zero-carbon economy by 2038.
“These two developments at an investment of circa £28m will transform leisure provision for thousands of people. Built to accommodate a wide array of community needs plus the integration of modern, energy efficient measures ensure these facilities will be fit for purpose both now and for many years to come.”
Work starts on Knaresborough on 26 April, and is due to be completed by July 2023.
Both energy efficient leisure developments will be delivered by Alliance Leisure, working with ISG Construction and GT3 architects through the UK Leisure Framework which is owned and managed by Denbighshire Leisure.
