Major Funding Secured to Improve Preston’s Leisure Centres

Preston’s leisure centres are set for a major upgrade after Preston City Council secured £226,552 in funding from Sport England. The grant will be used to enhance energy efficiency at Fulwood Leisure Centre, ensuring that local swimming pools remain operational and sustainable for years to come.

A Vital Boost for Preston’s Swimming Pools

Swimming pools play a crucial role in keeping Preston residents active and healthy, but rising energy costs have made them increasingly expensive to maintain. Since Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) took over the running of Preston’s leisure assets in 2017, they have worked to keep costs down. However, additional investment has become necessary to support long-term viability.

With this funding, Fulwood Leisure Centre will see two key improvements:

• Solar panels will be installed on the roof, reducing reliance on the national grid and cutting energy bills.
• An outdated boiler will be replaced with a modern heating system, improving energy efficiency and lowering running costs.

These upgrades not only secure the future of local swimming facilities but also align with national efforts to promote environmental sustainability in leisure centres.

Investing in a Healthier, Greener Future

Councillor Zafar Coupland, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, welcomed the investment, emphasising the role swimming pools play in keeping communities active.

“Swimming is an important part of many people’s lives, offering a low-impact way to stay fit and healthy. This funding is a critical boost, ensuring our leisure centres remain open and well-maintained for the people of Preston.”

Michael Manley, Preston Partnership Manager at GLL, also highlighted the organisation’s commitment to renewable energy and community reinvestment.

“By reducing energy costs, we can reinvest savings into further improvements, ensuring the best possible facilities for our customers and a stronger future for leisure in Preston.”

Sport England’s Commitment to Active Communities

The grant is part of Sport England’s £300 million annual investment into projects that help people get active. The organisation focuses on making sport and physical activity accessible to all, particularly for women, disabled people, and lower-income communities who may face barriers to participation.

With ongoing improvements and sustainability initiatives, Preston’s leisure centres are well-positioned to continue serving the community while reducing their environmental impact.

What’s Next?

As work begins at Fulwood Leisure Centre, the city remains committed to building a healthier, more sustainable future for all residents.

What do you think about these upgrades? Let us know in the comments!

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