05/08/2025: Thetford leisure centre to get 45% of power from solar

Breckland Leisure Centre in Thetford is on track to get 45% of its electricity from solar and save thousands of pounds per year following the recent installation of solar panels on its roof, demonstrating Breckland Council's ongoing corporate commitment to sustainability. 

It is expected that the solar panels will reduce the building's carbon emissions by nearly 38 tonnes per year, making the centre more efficient and cost-effective in the long term. The solar panels on the roof capture energy from the sun, converting it into electricity and powering the leisure centre, so it doesn't have to buy as much energy from the grid. In November, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will also be installed, which will store extra energy the panels produce during the day to be used later, even when it's not sunny.

Solar panels were previously installed at Dereham Leisure Centre last year, where they delivered savings of over £13,000 in the first six months of use. The solar panels at Breckland Leisure Centre are the latest step in the council's initiative to make leisure in the district more efficient and sustainable, reducing both carbon emissions and operational costs. 

Breckland has received up to £400k from Central Government and Sport England Swimming Pool Support Fund to fully fund the project, which was delivered in collaboration with Parkwood Leisure, Parkwood Project Management and Breckland Council. 

Cllr Tristan Ashby, Executive Member for Health and Communities, said: "Following the works at Dereham Leisure Centre last year, I am so pleased that we have now successfully installed solar panels at Breckland Leisure Centre, extending our efforts to make Thetford, and our district, more energy efficient. 

"By harnessing renewable energy, we're not only cutting operational costs, but reducing the centre's carbon footprint. This project shows our continued commitment to the long-term sustainability of public leisure, and I'm excited to see both leisure centres make a lasting positive impact on our communities."  

Glen Hall, Managing Director of Parkwood Leisure, said: "This is another fantastic example of the collaboration between all parties in order to improve the energy efficiency of the leisure facilities in Breckland. We are pleased to have been able to support Breckland Council in the successful delivery of this project."