Green boost for South Ayrshire community facility

An essential community facility in south west Scotland will soon be more sustainable thanks to funding through a government scheme.

Prestwick Swimming Pool in South Ayrshire is next in line for decarbonisation and energy efficiency upgrades thanks to funding delivered through Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

The site is a 25 metre, four-lane pool in Prestwick that runs a variety of organised activities including aqua fit, lessons, competitive swimming and a club for less abled swimmers.

South Ayrshire Council, which own the pool, support a population of around 112,000 residents and is striving to reach net zero by 2045.

Councillor Martin Kilbride, Portfolio Holder for Buildings, Housing and Environment, said: "We're committed to reducing the council's carbon emissions, and the upgrades being carried out will further enhance the user experience at this community facility as we continue on our net zero journey within South Ayrshire."

To support these ambitions, the council was awarded £720,960 in grant funding through Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

The scheme is designed to support the decarbonisation of heating systems by replacing them with zero direct emissions systems and accompanying retrofit energy efficiency measures to support the overall decarbonisation of heat in buildings.

Councillor Kilbride added: "I'm delighted that we've received a grant through Scotland's Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Fund.

"This has given us the opportunity to tackle one of our highest energy consumers within our leisure portfolio."

At Prestwick Swimming Pool, various energy efficiency measures will be introduced to reduce the heat load and heat loss associated with the heating of the water for the pool and surrounding building. This includes roof insulation, external wall insulation, ultrasonic humidifiers, a remotely-managed building management system and solar pv.

Council energy experts anticipate that works at the leisure facility will reduce the council's carbon emissions by 26.44 tonnes of carbon a year and reduce their energy bills by £13,834 annually.

An annual reduction of 26.44 tonnes of carbon is equivalent to driving 66,100 miles in an average petrol car which could get you from London to Glasgow 192 times.

Brandon Dillon, client support officer, said: "The upgrades will make a big difference to this important facility that lies at the heart of the local community.

"The decarbonisation of this space plays a vital role in ensuring the centre continues to be available for generations to come."