New Air Handling Unit installed, and £1.4m Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding secured to enhance Marl Pits Leisure Centre
Advancing their commitment to both local and national climate goals, Rossendale Borough Council has installed a new low carbon air handling unit at Marl Pits Leisure Centre and has secured £1.4m from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to support its ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Funded by Sport England, the Council has provided Rossendale Leisure Trust with £290k to install a state-of-the-art air handling unit and new pool covers. These upgrades will significantly enhance air quality, reduce chlorine and damp odours, and ensure more consistent, comfortable temperatures – enhancing the experience for all leisure centre users while reducing carbon emissions and energy usage.
The Council has also successfully secured an additional £1.4m through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), delivered by Salix Finance and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation for Salix Ian Rodger said: “This is an exciting project which will reduce carbon emissions and benefit not only the people who use the centre but the community beyond.
“We look forward to working with Rossendale Borough Council to progress its net zero journey and achieve its goals.
“Climate change is not standing still and with the vision, the technology and the partnerships we can get nearer to achieving our net zero targets.”
This investment will allow for the full decarbonisation of Marl Pits Leisure Centre, with major upgrades including the replacement of gas-fired boilers with efficient air source heat pumps and enhancements to the existing solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Lead Member for Environment and Corporate Services said: "Achieving the national green agenda begins with action at a local level. This project demonstrates how effective collaboration, and strategic investment can transform public spaces into cleaner, more energy-efficient environments.
"It brings us closer to our net-zero target by 2030, while also reinforcing our commitment to delivering a high-quality environment for residents. By significantly reducing carbon emissions, lowering our reliance on fossil fuels, and modernising key leisure facilities, we’re investing in a more sustainable future for Rossendale."
The Marl Pits project builds on a series of successful environmental initiatives delivered to create a cleaner, greener borough.
Rossendale Borough Council remains committed to driving forward its ambitious Climate Action Strategy, with further sustainability projects already in development.