74 LEISURE CENTRE DECARBONISATION
LEISURE CENTRE DECARBONISATION
Willmott Dixon Construction is delivering decarbonisation works at three North Hertfordshire leisure centres, upgrading facilities to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy performance for community sport and fitness use.
North Hertfordshire’ s leisure estate is undergoing a major leisure centre decarbonisation programme across multiple sites including Royston Leisure Centre, Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre and North Herts Leisure Centre.
The works are being delivered by Willmott Dixon Construction on behalf of operators and local authorities, with architectural direction from Saunders Boston Architects, structural engineering by Conisbee and mechanical, electrical and plumbing( MEP) consultancy from QODA Consulting.
The aim of the programme is to improve energy performance, reduce operational carbon emissions and enhance facilities across the three centres. These improvements form part of broader commitments by stakeholders to achieve lower carbon footprints, reduce energy costs and provide upgraded environments for leisure, fitness and swimming activities.
At Royston Leisure Centre, decarbonisation works include the installation of energy-efficient heating and ventilation systems, upgrades to building services and controls, and integration of low-carbon technologies designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuel systems. These upgrades support better thermal performance and improved comfort for users while lowering operational emissions.
The programme at Hitchin Swimming and Fitness Centre involves similar interventions tailored to the facility’ s specific configuration. Works here address swimming pool plant upgrades, improved heat recovery systems, modern controls and insulation enhancements that reduce energy demand associated with pool heating, ventilation and circulation.
North Herts Leisure Centre has also seen decarbonisation works delivered under the programme. Combined with broader refurbishment efforts such as the recently completed changing village upgrade, these measures extend the lifespan of plant and fabric while improving performance and user experience.
Architectural support from Saunders Boston Architects ensures that decarbonisation upgrades integrate cohesively with existing buildings and operations. Designs balance energy performance improvements with considerations of ongoing facility use, spatial organisation and accessibility, enabling efficient retrofitting within operational leisure contexts.
Conisbee’ s structural engineering input supports adaptation of existing structures to accommodate new plant, technologies and interfaces required for decarbonisation measures. This includes assessment of loading, support requirements and integration of new systems with existing building fabric.
QODA Consulting’ s MEP expertise underpins the specification and coordination of mechanical and electrical systems that are central to reducing energy consumption. Through modelling, controls strategy and systems coordination, the consultancy supports delivery of
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