Enhancing Xcel's sustainability for the future

With the energy needs of leisure centres increasing significantly especially in recent years, and our vision to become carbon-neutral, we must consider both environmental and financial factors when assessing sustainability at our leisure facilities. Together with Places Leisure, our leisure management operator, we have been exploring ways to enhance sustainability in our leisure facilities, save costs, and improve accessibility for our communities.

New LED lighting and pool cover at the Xcel Leisure Complex

As part of the Xcel’s refurbishment programme, Places Leisure have upgraded to LED lighting throughout the swimming pool, climbing wall and sports hall. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, LED lighting will lead to substantial savings on electricity bills and reduce the frequency and cost of bulb replacements due to the longer lifespan of LED lights.

The refurbishment works at the Xcel pool were funded by a £136K grant from Sport England which also enabled the installation of a new pool cover to conserve heat and save energy.

New solar thermal system at Xcel

This system uses solar energy to heat water, which will then be utilised to heat the swimming pool. This is a sustainable system that can significantly reduce energy costs and help lower the centre’s carbon emissions.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage system at the Xcel Sports Hub

The new solar PV panels generate electricity from sunlight and will be used to help power the Sports Hub. At its peak in full sunshine, the Sports Hub’s solar PV system will produce 19 kilowatts (kW (p)) and is expected to save around 3.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. The battery storage system stores excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during low sunlight. This combination ensures a reliable and efficient energy supply, reducing dependence on the grid and lowering energy costs, with a projected saving of up to 25% in electricity costs.

Councillor Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, said, “With these enhancements, together with Places Leisure, we continue on our journey to making the Xcel leisure complex more operationally and financially resilient, reducing its carbon footprint, and ensuring its sustainability for the future. We believe the new LED lighting and solar thermal system at Xcel, along with the new Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels and battery storage system at the Sports Hub, will make a significant difference”.

Councillor Simon Waugh, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Commercial Strategy, said, “We are also pleased to confirm further upgrades to our leisure facilities in the summer of 2025, with a £1.28 million investment in Hurst Pool in Molesey to improve catering facilities, provide additional seating in the reception area, and new changing rooms. Supplementary energy funding will also significantly improve the pool’s overall performance and reduce its environmental impact. By investing in these improvements, we are committed to providing the community with modern, functional, and sustainable facilities that will serve future generations”.

Stuart Urquhart, Contract Manager at Places Leisure, said: “It has been a privilege to collaborate with Elmbridge Borough Council in our shared mission to enhance the sustainability of Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex, and Xcel Sports Hub. This work is a big step forward in our collective efforts to significantly reduce the centre’s carbon footprint. At Places Leisure, we are committed to supporting and working with our partners to decarbonise the centres we manage including Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Complex and Xcel Sports Hub.” 

Find out more information about the Xcel leisure complex £6 million refurbishment plan.