press release: Leisure Energy Ltd
Studley Leisure Centre solar panel installation project begins
Stratford-on-Avon District Council is delighted to announce a new solar panel installation project at Studley Leisure Centre, marking an important step towards improving the sustainability of this valued community facility. The project represents a continued investment in renewable energy across the District and follows the successful installation of solar panels at both Stratford Leisure Centre and Shipston Leisure Centre.
The initiative, set to begin in June 2026, will see the installation of 112 high-efficiency solar panels on the roof of the centre. With an installed capacity of 50 kilowatts, the system is designed to significantly reduce reliance on grid electricity while improving the centre’s overall energy performance.
Once complete, the solar panels are expected to deliver both environmental and financial benefits, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to long-term energy cost savings.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council is supporting the project in partnership with Everyone Active, who manage the District Council’s leisure centres, alongside specialist contractor Leisure Energy Limited.
Tony Perks, deputy chief executive at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: “This project is about taking practical action. By investing in on-site renewable energy at Studley, we’re not only reducing emissions but also strengthening the resilience of our leisure facilities against rising energy costs. It builds on what we’ve already achieved at Stratford and Shipston and shows a clear direction of travel for the District.”
Everyone Active, which manages the centre on behalf of the District Council, will work closely with partners to deliver the installation.
Richard Bell, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “From an operational perspective, this kind of investment makes a real difference. Leisure centres are energy-intensive environments, so generating power on site helps us manage demand more efficiently while maintaining a high-quality experience for customers. It’s a positive step forward for Studley.”
The installation will be carried out by Leisure Energy Limited, with works beginning on site in June, and completion expected later in the year.
Melissa Marsden, assistant project manager of Leisure Energy, said: “Technically, this is a strong scheme for a site of this size. The 50 kilowatt system, using 112 panels, has been carefully designed to maximise output and performance. Projects like this demonstrate how solar can be effectively integrated into existing leisure facilities to deliver reliable, long-term energy savings.”
For more information about Leisure Energy, visit: https://www.leisure-energy.com/
Mike Worsnop, acting managing director, statutory director and shareholder
Mike Ardis, technical director, statutory director and shareholder
Georgina Rowland, construction director, statutory director and shareholder
Neil Bland, statutory director and shareholder.
Current clients include:
• South Kesteven District Council,
• Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Council,
• Sandwell Council,
• Charnwood Borough Council,
• Rushcliffe Borough Council,
• Waverley Borough Council,
• Wealden District Council,
• Parkwood Leisure,
• Everyone Active,
• Freedom Leisure,
• Jubilee Pool CIC, and
• David Lloyd.
Working in partnership with the premium health and fitness brand, we have facilitated significant capital funding for the electrification of their clubs. Moving forward, we will offer this solution to the public and private sector, identifying, designing, building, selling and maintaining the solution – delivering both significant revenue and carbon savings.
"Installation of the new Net Zero Pod in early 2026 alongside supporting upgrades to air handling units and other infrastructure will transform GMLC’s energy performance, carbon footprint and financial resilience, with a projected energy cost reduction of £170k and over 500 tonnes of carbon annually. During the construction phase of the project, additional efficiencies were also identified to reduce the baseload consumption of GMLC by upgrading the six pool circulation pumps. Our project has reshaped how SKDC approaches energy and asset management: by addressing energy use alongside decarbonisation, SKDC has created a pathway to lower operating costs and cut carbon emissions."
– Michael Chester, leisure parks & open spaces team leader, South Kesteven District Council
"Thanks to the carefully designed, installed and now running Net Zero Pod, we are already seeing savings in running costs on site along with not burning natural gas, which is set to save 100s of tonnes of CO2 a year. Not only this, the site remains lovely and warm, the pool great to swim in and the public continuing to enjoy the centre as a hub".
– Edward Leddy-Owen, team manager - environment, Rushcliffe Borough Council
– John Smith, business development manager, Litchfield District Council
