Colchester Leisure World given £170k due to energy costs

The health facility, in Cowdray Avenue, has received £170,187 from the Government’s £80 million Swimming Pool Support Fund,

The grant has provided financial assistance to 442 swimming pools across the country since last year.

The funding will now be put towards the purchase of pool covers and smart motors, helping reduce Leisure World’s running costs.

Colchester Council, which runs Leisure world, previously said recruiting a new energy manager and installing a new swimming pool smart motor will save the council £100,000 over the next two financial years.

A spokesman for the authority added: “Like many leisure facilities, we have been significantly impacted by the recent surge in energy prices.

“We are committed to finding innovative ways to operate more efficiently while still providing the valuable services our customers rely on.

“The pool covers will help retain heat and minimise evaporation, leading to lower energy consumption for pool heating, while the smart motors will optimise the operation of our heating system, adapting to demand and reducing wasted energy.

“We are aiming to have these projects installed as soon as possible."

READ MORE: Leisure World to keep Colchester sports facilities afloat

Health - James Cracknell, conservative general election candidate for Colchester, said making swimming more accessible was integral to the country's health (Image: PA)

The injection of cash comes after reports in 2023 revealed the council had to factor in an additional £206,000 in spending to afford energy costs for the next year.

It also follows plans to potentially close down Leisure World's cafe as part of drastic changes to raise £600,000 and a threat of strike action from instructors at the site.

James Cracknell, Colchester’s conservative parliamentary candidate, said: “I am delighted Leisure World Colchester has received £170,000 investment, improving the pools energy efficiency, keeping running costs down and giving more people the opportunity to swim whilst reducing our environmental impact.

“This investment is even more vitally important as Colchester is woefully behind other similar sized cities in its range of public affordable sporting and leisure facilities, including swimming pools.

“Leisure World Colchester is owned by the council and is in desperate need of modernisation and improvements to ensure its fit for purpose and viable for future generations.

“Along with this investment I stand committed to supporting Leisure World staff who are facing potential redundancies, having to threaten strike action to receive a fair wage and finding long-term funding to help the council balance its books.”