Rooftop Solar Upgrade Powers Up Nottingham Leisure Centre

WORK TO INSTALL a new solar energy system at Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre in Nottingham is now complete, significantly cutting the centre’s reliance on grid electricity and reducing carbon emissions.

676 solar PV panels (1,365m²) were added to the rooftop above the swimming pool, generating clean, renewable energy directly for the site.

The project was managed by construction company Lindum Group on behalf of Nottingham City Council. Working with UK Alternative Energy and Empire Scaffolding Ltd, more than 307.58kWp of Tier 1 solar panels were installed across multiple roof areas of the centre.

To ensure maximum performance with minimal impact, Lindum conducted a detailed structural and environmental assessment. Roof integrity and safety were prioritised through pre- and post-installation roof conditioning, alongside the extension of the existing Mansafe system for ongoing maintenance.

The completed project was procured via the Scape Regional Construction framework and was designed and delivered in line with rigorous standards, including ENA G99 regulations, BS EN 62305 for lightning protection, and the MCS certification scheme.

Lindum Group Director, Richard Shaw, said: “This has been a good project which showcases what’s possible when smart design meets sustainability goals. Harvey Hadden is now equipped with a clean energy system that will deliver cost and carbon savings for decades to come.

“To support this installation, Lindum integrated a comprehensive electrical infrastructure. A central inverter was installed within the site’s plant room with all cabling and containment systems installed to current best practices and futureproofed with capacity for system expansion.”

Rooftop Solar Upgrade

The new solar panels will:

• Generate up to 257,752kwh each year (enough to drive an electric car around earth 43 times).
• Save £4 million in energy costs over the next 30 years.
• Offset more than 60kg tonnes of carbon emissions each year (it would take 3 trees a full year to absorb that amount).

Around 79% of the energy generated will be consumed on-site, supporting the centre’s daily operations. Any surplus energy is then diverted to an electric pool heater, reducing the site’s reliance on gas and boosting overall energy efficiency.

This integration not only increases the sustainability of the leisure centre but also further reduces its carbon footprint.

The initiative, which represents an investment of more than £400,000, forms part of the council’s broader ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2028 and supports continued investment in sustainable infrastructure across the city.

Harvey Hadden is one of the largest leisure facilities in Nottingham, with a 10-court sports hall, gym and 50-metre pool. It is also one of the highest energy consumers in the council’s estate, accounting for nearly 5% of the local authority’s total annual energy usage.

Nottingham City Council Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Sam Lux, said: “The completion of phase 3 solar PV installation at Harvey Hadden Leisure Centre is a testament to Nottingham City Council’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.

“As one of the council’s highest energy-consuming sites, converting the facility to run on clean, renewable energy demonstrates our proactive approach to reducing emissions, cutting costs and improving energy efficiency.”

The scheme was funded through the Salix Recycling Fund – a partnership between Nottingham City Council and Salix Finance, which provides conditional grants to support low-carbon projects across the council’s estate.

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