Standish Leisure Centre to reap savings as council pushes forward with solar panel installation
Standish Leisure Centre has now joined the ranks of council-owned facilities benefiting from energy-saving solar panels in the latest green initiative. The £73,000 investment is expected to save around £14,000 per year and contribute towards the council’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2038. Standish becomes the fourth Be Well leisure centre to embrace photovoltaic cells, following Howe Bridge, Leigh, and Robin Park.
Councillor Paul Prescott, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for planning, environmental services, and transport, expressed, “The installation of solar panels across our leisure centres and other public buildings is a key part of our strategy to tackle the climate emergency and create a more sustainable borough. This investment not only benefits the planet but also offers long-term financial savings, with the solar panels projected to pay for themselves within five years.”
The installation of the new solar cells is estimated to reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 17,132kg per year. Additionally, the project has provided opportunities for local businesses, with Wigan-based supplier ASK Renewable Solutions Ltd supporting contractor DFP Services Ltd.
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, added, “We’re delighted to have supported our community wealth building goals while enhancing the eco-friendliness of another leisure centre. So, as our members work up a sweat in the gym, they can take comfort in the knowledge that we’re conserving energy and playing our part in keeping our planet Be Well.”
