LEISURE CENTRES

A Total of more than £3million is set to be invested in Erewash’s leisure centres – thanks to the borough council working tirelessly to clinch yet another mega grant. The sum emerged hot on the heels of an announcement that Ilkeston’s Victoria Park Leisure Centre is in line for a £550,139 boost. That money is from what is known as the Swimming Pool Support Fund, which includes Lottery funding. The council has now followed up by securing even more cash from a different source – meaning an extra £2,601,000 is poised to be spent on making both Ilkeston’s leisure centre and the one at Long Eaton’s West Park more eco friendly. The newly-revealed grant is from a government fund aimed at reducing carbon emissions from publicly-owned buildings. 

Erewash has been awarded £2,263,750. Under the deal – which is expected to lead to ongoing savings in energy costs – a £337,250 contribution must be found by the council. Half of the required contribution will come from Parkwood Leisure, which has  a contract with the authority to run the leisure centres. The council will be working closely with Parkwood Leisure and its Legacy Leisure arm to see tight delivery schedules for the improvements are met. 

The company’s regional director Francois Smit said: “I am delighted to hear that Erewash Council has secured a significant £3million in funding to upgrade our leisure centres. The money will be invested into making our centres more eco friendly as we continue our collaborative journey alongside the council in reducing emissions at sites.” 

Erewash council leader James Dawson said: “The money we have succeeded in winning from not just one but two funds on behalf of the people of Erewash means there is a total of £3,151,139 of investment. Not only does this underline the council’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, it means we can start getting our leisure centres into great shape in terms of a greener future.”