North Herts Council has approved a major investment in the future of its leisure centres, awarding a £15.89 million construction contract to Herts-based Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd to deliver one of the largest leisure centre decarbonisation projects in the UK, to help improve the energy efficiency of our leisure centres and support our ambition to reach net zero carbon emissions from our operations by 2030.

The decision was approved at Cabinet on 20 May and follows the council's successful bid for £7.74 million from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, administered by Salix Finance. The funding, run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will support significant upgrades at North Herts Leisure Centre in Letchworth, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre, and Royston Leisure Centre — cutting energy use, reducing carbon emissions, and modernising facilities.

The works will include replacing ageing gas boilers with air source heat pumps, installing solar panels, upgrading air handling units, improving insulation and glazing, and introducing energy-efficient systems throughout each building.

Once completed, the project is expected to reduce CO₂emissions across all three sites by over 60%. As the UK's electricity grid continues to decarbonise, residual emissions are expected to fall further year-on-year — helping keep the council on track with national and local climate targets.

Alongside these vital environmental improvements, the council is investing in modernising leisure facilities These include:

• A new gym extension and refurbished changing village at Royston Leisure Centre
• A new changing village and new flume at North Herts Leisure Centre
• Refurbishment of the health suite and gym changing rooms at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre

Cllr Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Environment, Leisure and Green Spaces, said: "This is a major step forward in making our leisure centres fit for the future. These upgrades will not only cut carbon and reduce energy use, they'll help create better more modern leisure facilities for our residents to enjoy."

Willmott Dixon is one of the UK's largest contractors for decarbonising property assets. Its recent work includes the Queen's Medical Centre decarbonisation scheme in Nottingham, increasing energy efficiency at Somerset County Hall and Somerset County Library for the county council and decarbonising four leisure centres for Oxford City Council.  

Steve Kitchen, Delivery Director at Willmott Dixon said: "As a company with a strong commitment to sustainability, we're looking forward to working with North Herts Council in reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency across vital community facilities. This supports our Now or Never strategy to help create greener, more sustainable public spaces for future generations."

Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix, Ian Rodger said: "We're delighted to work with North Herts Council on this ambitious leisure centre project. We're proud to deliver the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

"The council has a target of net zero by 2030, and this project will play a significant role in achieving this.

"The funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will help pay for important energy efficiency measures and will ultimately not only reduce carbon emissions but also make these buildings more comfortable place in which to work and enjoy."

Some temporary closures and reduced services will be necessary during the works, including a partial weekday pool closure at Hitchin for around five months. To help maintain access to swimming during this period, the council will extend the lido season at both Hitchin and Letchworth.

More details on timescales and the works schedule will be shared as soon as the contractor's full work programme is approved. Works are expected to begin this summer and complete by spring 2026.

The council appreciates the community's patience and support as it delivers this landmark project — one that brings long-term benefits for the climate, the community, and its local leisure facilities.