Wellington Sports Centre was officially reopened on 30 November after a refurbishment. This work was made possible with funding from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The bid for this funding having been made by Somerset Council. The works include a much enlarged new gym, a cycling studio, and an improved swimming pool.

Sports centres, especially those with swimming pools are traditionally heavy users of energy. So it is good that in addition to modernising the facilities, the centre has been made more energy efficient. This has been achieved by including a new roof with better insulation; the installation of an air source heat pump; and improvements to the air handling system with better heat recovery included. The new roof is also covered with solar panels. The old gas heating system has been removed and that, together with the new green technologies is expected to save almost 220 tonnes of carbon each year. This demonstrates how existing buildings can be made greener by making use of renewable technologies. There is some more information about these technologies on our Renewables Group page.

It so happens that in the photograph you can also see the Community Farm.