Sedbergh Pool and Leisure Centre, the Bowling Pool in Bradford and Ilkley Lido fitted with solar PV to generate energy and save money.
Three sports and leisure sites in Bradford are having roof-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed, following a successful tendering process. It’s certainly a timely move given the hot sunny weather.
Aerial view of Ilkley Lido, photo courtesy of Bradford Metropolitan District Council
Bradford Metropolitan District Council posted a tender notice for the work in January and announced the awarding of contracts in March. Work has now begun on installing the new panels.
Bradford is just the latest local authority to instal solar PV on sports facilities in a bid to make them more energy efficient and cut bills. Just last week, we reported that that 163 solar panels have been installed on Parliament Hill Lido in London.
In Bradford’s case, the council sought a contractor to design, supply and install the panels, as well as to oversee, commissioning and initial maintenance. In tendering, the contractors had to demonstrate that their systems would maximise on‑site electricity generation for use within the given facility.
Some 37 tenders were received. After careful consideration, the council awarded contracts to two companies.
Howpow, based in Retford, will oversee work at the Bowling Pool on Bradford’s Flockton Road, where indicative capacity – an estimate of the site’s generating potential – is some 120 kW. The contract is worth £130,000 including VAT.
Carlisle-based Go Low Carbon Ltd was awarded the other two contracts: one for Ilkley Lido (worth £100,000, indicative capacity c. 80kW), the other for Sedbergh Pool and Leisure centre (worth £210,00, indicative capacity c. 200kW).
All three contracts run until 20 March 2027.
The scope of work includes:
- Design of solar PV systems to maximise generation within available roof space
- Structural roof surveys, including imposed load and wind uplift assessments
- Supply of PV panels, mounting systems, inverters, isolators, cabling, monitoring and all associated equipment Installation of systems on main building roofs, including connection to existing electrical infrastructure and distribution boards
- Configuring Systems for on‑site consumption only
- Co-ordination with BMDC Energy and Electrical Engineering teams
- Management of all DNO applications and approvals with Northern Powergrid
- Full testing and commissioning of systems
- Provision of bird-protection measures as part of the design
- Optional battery storage proposals, clearly identified and priced separately
Work began at Ilkley Pool and Lido on May 18, with the other sites to follow shortly.
A spokesperson for the Ilkley Pool and Lido says: ‘We’re excited to announce that we are installing solar panels on the roof of our indoor pool hall.
‘There will be some temporary disruption within our car park and disabled parking bays moved, these will be clearly marked. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while these important works are completed.
‘This is just one of a range of projects being undertaken by our Built Environment Energy Team to improve energy efficiency and cost reduction to create greater financial resilience for our sports and leisure centres.’
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