WORK has begun on the installation of photovoltaic solar panels at St Ives Leisure Centre and Helston Sports Centre.

Additional solar panels and pool covers are also being fitted at Liskeard Leisure Centre in the next few months. All three projects have been funded by Sport England to reduce swimming pool energy costs.

The announcement that St Ives and Helston would benefit from more than £200,000 in funding was made last spring and Liskeard was awarded £175,448 just before Christmas. Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the not-for-profit social enterprise that runs the centres on behalf of Cornwall Council.

James Curry, head of service for GLL in Cornwall, said: “I’m delighted that work is underway at Helston and St Ives and the news about Liskeard getting capital funding, too, was a great way of ending 2024.

“The improvements at Liskeard alone will reduce our electricity costs by up to 35 per cent, a very significant amount at a time when energy costs continue to remain high.

“I’d like to thank Sport England for the funding and Cornwall Council and the South West Net Zero Hub for the support they’ve provided in ensuring we meet the funding eligibility criteria.”

The application to Sport England's £60-million Swimming Pool Support Fund was completed by Cornwall Council in partnership with Cornwall's swimming pool operators in 2023 — with £40-million provided by government and a further £20-million from lottery funding across England.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “The installation of solar panels will significantly cut energy costs and reduce the carbon footprint of these centres.

“I’m delighted that GLL was successful in securing these grants. We will continue to explore further funding opportunities to support Cornwall’s leisure centres.”

For more information about Better Leisure Centres in Cornwall, visit www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall