Labour-run Norwich City Council’s proposal for 600+ solar panels at Riverside Leisure Centre has received planning permission. The project is anticipated to reduce the Centre’s energy bills by 33% and cut 75 tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

The project costs a total of £895,000, with £520,000 of funding having been secured from the government at Sport England. The remaining £375,000 is being paid for by the city council.

Cllr Emma Hampton, cabinet member for climate change, says:

“I’m delighted that we are able to proceed with installing such a large solar array at Riverside Leisure Centre, future proofing the venue by reducing emissions and ensuring that we can continue to provide these much-loved community facilities for years to come.

By placing solar panels on the roof and in the car park, we’re putting that empty space to good use – something we should aim to do more and more across the city as we work towards a net zero Norwich by 2045.”

Read more: Norwich City Council website