Craven Leisure will close on Tuesday for an electricity upgrade so 500 solar panels and a heat pump that were installed almost two years ago can finally be switched on.
A council spokesperson said the facility on Gargrave Road in Skipton will close at 3pm tomorrow and reopen on Thursday morning whilst works take place.
A total of 522 solar panels were installed on the roof of the building in November 2021 as part of a £1.2m project to reduce carbon emissions at the council’s buildings and reduce bills.
An air source heat pump was also installed in early 2022 to heat the swimming pool.
But problems with the electricity connection has meant the renewable energy technology has sat unused.
The delays have proved to be costly for council tax payers as energy costs have spiralled over the last two years. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported last month that the council has forked out over £500,000 in energy bills since November 2021.
However, the protracted saga is set to come to a resolution this week with engineers at Northern Powergrid due to upgrade the electricity connection at the leisure centre.
It means the solar panels and heat pump will be switched on by the end of this week, providing the electricity upgrade goes to plan.
North Yorkshire Council’s director of resources, Gary Fielding, said: “We are committed to reducing our impact on the environment. We installed green technologies at our leisure centre in Skipton as part of a £1.2 million Zero Carbon Craven scheme – 50% of which was funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), however, we have been frustrated in our ability to switch on the equipment due to the power supply to the building.
“Northern Powergrid are now due to deliver an electrical upgrade and this is now planned to take place at Craven Leisure Centre, on 22nd August.
“With careful planning we have tried to keep disruption to a minimum, however, the leisure centre will close earlier than usual on 22nd August and we plan to have services back up and running later in the week.
“The investment is due to pay back in ten years thanks to the energy saved which also makes a welcome contribution to reducing the Council’s carbon footprint.
“It is also estimated that the 522 solar panels will save emissions equivalent to planting 2,300 trees or 50 tonnes of carbon every year and the air source heat pumps are projected to save a further 97 tonnes of carbon a year.”
Skipton event planned for private landlords
World-class tennis returns with Ilkley Trophy
Exploring Ilkley Moor: Free guided walks and educational events
Young BGT magician includes Ilkley in tour
Ilkley's newly elected Deputy and Town Mayor
Company behind Skipton food and drink festival ceases trading
Residents spring into action for a fairer deal for Ilkley District
District's first average speed cameras installed on A650
Group that helps people connect with nature to get new home in park building
What are the top priorities for Ilkley? Share your thoughts in the community consultation
Nick Hancock returns to breakfast radio in Skipton and Ilkley
Silsden store supports local NHS Charity at fashion show fundraiser
Leading environmentalist tells Ilkley to get real about climate crisis
Local Pride groups receive new patron
Outside the Box hosts ‘Thank You’ EP launch
Silsden quarry blocked after Planning Inspector rejects appeal
Friends of Ilkley Railway Station share results of public consultation
Grade II listed structure at Keighley station needs urgent repairs
The Hive to host Silsden community fun day
18 local businesses compete in 5-a-side event
