Comprehensive decarbonisation project at Fairfield Leisure Centre helps Dartford Council move towards net zero.

by | Jan 31, 2025 | Dartford Council

A collaboration between Dartford Borough Council, Places Leisure, Ferguson Brown Engineering, TSG Building Services and LG Electronics has successfully delivered a comprehensive renewables project at Fairfield Leisure Centre.

This initiative, funded through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, underscores the council’s commitment in reaching its goal of net-zero carbon emissions in its commercial buildings. The scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix.

The project required careful management as the leisure centre remained open throughout the works. To minimise disruption to the community, most of the installation was carried out overnight, ensuring the comfort and safety of both users and staff remained a top priority.

Dartford Borough Council Leader, Jeremy Kite said, “This initiative exemplifies the potential of public and private sector collaboration to drive sustainability. Fairfield will be generating enough renewable energy to be self-sufficient – keeping the lights on, and the pools warm. Any additional energy is fed back into the National Grid, to ensure that nothing is wasted, and Dartford can move toward a greener future”.

Steve Parker, Head of Technical and Environmental at Places Leisure said, “We are delighted to see the completion of this renewables project at Fairfield Leisure Centre which will allow the building to become carbon neutral. Places Leisure is committed to supporting and collaborating with our partners to help achieve net zero at the centres we manage, Fairfield Leisure Centre is a great example of this.”

Director of Public Sector Decarbonisation at Salix Ian Rodger said: “It’s inspiring to see how Dartford Borough Council is navigating its net zero journey and at Salix we are pleased to support that journey.

Fairfield Leisure Centre is a popular community building which will now be better placed for a more sustainable future as well as offering a more comfortable environment for those who work there and use it.”

The project’s comprehensive scope included the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of the following decarbonisation measures:

  • 600kW Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) & Heat Recovery System: Installed on the roof, providing renewable heat for the building and pools.
  • 50kW ASHP System: Dedicated to heating two new 2,500L hot water storage vessels during off-peak hours.
  • 65kW Solar Thermal System: Comprising 39 roof-mounted solar collectors, delivering heat to the pools during daylight hours with ASHP backup for low-light conditions.
  • Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System: Featuring 678 panels on the roof (288.15kWp) and 156 panels on a carport in the main car park (64.74kWp), producing a combined 352.89kWp.
  • Low-Energy LED Lighting: Installed with occupancy sensors throughout the centre.

WALKING WITH THE DARTS | FEBRUARY EDITION

The February edition of Dartford Living Magazine is out now. However, if you're unable to locate your free copy, here is the latest edition of Walking With The Darts: Hello again, welcome to another edition of Walking With The Darts, a monthly update on all things...

MARVEL FANS ASSEMBLE!

CAPTAIN AMERICA SHIELD AND HULK HAND INSTALLATION COMES TO SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX BLUEWATER  Superhero fans heading to Captain America: Brave New World at Showcase Cinema de Lux Bluewater will get an extra treat, as an exclusive Marvel installation has...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET SARAH HILL

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DUANE OFORI-ACHEAMPONG

Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Duane Ofori-Acheampong featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Since...

Ofsted praises “united and harmonious” Dartford primary school

Temple Hill Primary Academy in Dartford has been praised by Ofsted for being a “friendly and inclusive school” where pupils “value their education” and “aspire to do well”. The Ofsted inspectors judged the academy, which is part of The Golden Thread Alliance Trust, to...

NEW HOBBIES FOR A NEW YEAR, Sing, Strum or Sweat it out in 2025!

We continue to offer plenty of opportunities for the local community to GET INVOLVED with our weekly clubs, all taking place in Acacia Sports Hall, Dartford. We kick off the week with Chair Fit on Mondays, a fully accessible exercise class. Set to popular music, these...

DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET GABBY HOWELL

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Gabby Howell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Gabby Howell signed for...

DARTFORD FC | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET DEAN NAYLER

Last weekend saw Dartford host Hashtag United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dean Nayler featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article: SECTION ONE Dean Nayler is another promising player to emerge from the...

Dartford Grammar School celebrates International School Award win on 25th Anniversary of the prestigious prize

Dartford Grammar School Head Teacher, Mr. Julian Metcalf, and their Head of Languages, Mrs. Donna Kane, were delighted to recently attend the 2025 International School Award Ceremony in Westminster to receive their reaccreditation certificate for this prestigious...

HARIBO UK announces date for Bluewater retail store opening

-          Latest HARIBO UK retail store set to open on 12 February 2025 -          Sweet confectionery leader’s 11th retail store will welcome shoppers with free...