Ongoing work toinstall measures to improve the energy efficiency of Todmorden Sports Centre is on track, with important work to improve the swimming pool systems taking place soon.
From Monday 31 October, the swimming pool and the Premier Suite spa facilities at the centre will be closed for four weeks to allow for the replacement of thetraditional sand filters with a modern microfiltration system. These ceramic filters use less water, less electricity, fewer chemicals and result in better water quality.
This is part of a wider project to reduce the carbon impact of the building, using funding from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s (BEIS) Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The project involves removing the existing gas fired heating system, which had reached the end of its life, and replacing it with air source heat pumps, the installation of solar panels and the provision of a new sub-station.
The majority of this improvement work is being undertaken whilst the centre remains open. However, the replacement of the filtration system will require the pool and the Premier Suite to be closed to allow removal of the old filters, installation of the new system and a period of commissioning.
All other areas of the building will be open as normal. Regular users and members will be kept updated and information will be displayed at the centre throughout October to remind people of the closure.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, said:
“The works taking place at Todmorden Sports Centre are so important to ensure we can reduce the emissions associated with this building. Most of this work will not affect the day-to-day running of the centre, but unfortunately whilst we are changing the pool filters, it’s necessary for us to close the wet facilities. The gym and fitness class timetable will be as normal.
“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but once complete the work will bring both environmental benefits and ensure that the water quality in our swimming pools is of the highest standard.”
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“The decarbonisation works taking place at Todmorden Sports Centre will save around 275 tonnes of carbon emissions and reduce the carbon emissions associated with the Council’s whole estate by around 6% per year.
“Work has been progressing well, with excavation works well underway and solar panels due to be installed on the building soon, which will provide a significant renewable contribution to the building’s power use in the future.”
For further information about sports and swimming provision in Calderdale, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/sport.
The decarbonisation work at Todmorden Sports Centre is funded by £1.7million from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. A further Council contribution of £350,000 will support the project.