Watford Council’s Cabinet has approved plans for energy efficiency improvements to four key community assets...
This includes Watford Leisure Centre at Woodside, the Palace Theatre, Orbital Community Centre, and Harebreaks Community Centre.
PHOTOCAPTION: Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, beside the Town Hall Solar Panels which underwent a similiar project
These decisions follow the successful awards of £400,000 from the Swimming Pool Support Funding provided by Sport England and an award of £1.4 million in funding from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), which will drive forward these sustainability initiatives by the council across town.
The proposed works are expected to significantly enhance the energy performance of these buildings, reducing carbon emissions and supporting Watford's broader sustainability strategy. For Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, the funding will result in the installation 655 solar panels. For the community spaces, this investment will allow for air source heat pumps, roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, and replacement windows across the sites.
The improvements are part of the council’s ongoing efforts to make its community buildings more energy-efficient, aligning with the town's sustainability goals.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "We are thrilled to move forward with our commitment to a greener Watford by enhancing the energy efficiency of key community spaces. Thanks to securing two successful funding grants totalling £1.8 million, we will be installing 655 solar panels at Watford Leisure Centre - Woodside and carrying out energy efficiency upgrades at our community buidlings.
"These improvements will not only have positive environmental impacts but will also lead to long-term savings by lowering energy costs, generating energy and reducing heat loss. These projects are part of our aim towards a greener and more sustainable Watford, as part of my manifesto promise to reduce our net carbon emissions to zero by 2030.”
The approval of the plans ensures the council is actively staking steps towards its sustainability targets while making a positive impact on the community's environmental footprint.