Preparation work to make Worksop Leisure Centre more energy efficient has begun, as part of the biggest decarbonisation project ever undertaken by Bassetlaw District Council.

The project will include installation of air source heat pumps to heat the building and pool, alongside other energy efficiency measures such as installing solar panels, heat recovery ventilation, a draught lobby, and improved LED lighting.

Due to the nature of the ongoing work, the centre will be closed for four weeks from Saturday, October 17.

Coun Darrell Pulk said: “This is the largest decarbonisation programme we have undertaken, and it marks an important step in making our leisure centres more

Work is set to begin on decarbonisation at Worksop Leisure Centre.

placeholder image — Work is set to begin on decarbonisation at Worksop Leisure Centre.

sustainable for the future.

“By investing in modern energy efficiency measures, we are helping to reduce running costs, lower carbon emissions and future proof important community facilities for residents, while supporting our Vision 2040 ambitions.”

Worksop and Retford Leisure centres are two of the council’s biggest carbon emitting buildings, with the work being part funded using a £2.18 million grant from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which is contributing to the UK’s ambition to be net zero by 2050, with additional investment from Bassetlaw District Council.

The project at Worksop replicates the improvements already made at Retford Leisure Centre. Member Wendy Hall said: “It’s wonderful to be back using the facilities and seeing the improvements that have been made.

“It’s a great space to exercise, which also helps from a mental health point of view, and I hope this work has helped secure its future for many years to come.”

Once both schemes are complete, fossil fuel consumption at properties owned by the council will have reduced by 62 per cent since 2021.

Tom Walker, site leader at BPL’s Retford Leisure Centre said: “During the closure the team on site worked tirelessly to meet deadlines and ensure we reopened when planned.

“It’s been fantastic to open the doors and welcome back our returning members as well as those that haven’t visited us before”.

The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding has previously been used to support work at 17b in Retford in 2025, Queens Buildings in 2023 and Kilton Forest Golf Course Clubhouse in 2021.