Nottingham Unveils the "UK’s Largest" Solar-Powered Leisure Centre

In a move toward sustainability, Harvey Hadden Sports Village, operated by Nottingham City Council, has officially completed phase three of its solar energy transformation, marking a significant milestone in the centre’s green journey.

The new phase propels its total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to a robust 571.5 kWp. This upgrade includes a 307.58 kWp rooftop PV system, featuring 676 bifacial panels stretching over 1,365 square meters.

Backed by a generous £449,000 funding injection from Salix Finance, the expansion aligns with Nottingham City Council’s ambitious carbon reduction strategy, aiming to lessen the city's environmental impact.

Jorge Santana, head of service for environment and sustainability at Nottingham City Council, said: “With one of the largest solar installations on a UK leisure centre, Harvey Hadden is leading the way for carbon-neutral public infrastructure. By integrating solar power with the centre’s operations—including a system that uses surplus energy to heat the swimming pool—we’re cutting emissions, lowering energy costs, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This project was funded in part by the Salix Recycling Fund, enabling us to reinvest previous savings into impactful, future-facing carbon reduction solutions.”

With this latest addition, Harvey Hadden now ranks as one of the UK’s largest solar-powered leisure centres. The solar project, which has evolved in stages since 2015, represents a long-term commitment to reducing the centre’s dependence on grid electricity.

The journey began with a game-changing 67.2 kWp solar carport—at the time, the largest in the UK—covering 40 parking bays and generating an impressive 50,772 kWh annually. The second phase, launched in 2018, introduced a 200 kWp roof system, further reducing the centre’s carbon footprint.

Now, the third phase introduces a substantial 307.58 kWp system with bifacial panels that not only maximize energy capture but are set to generate an estimated 257,752 kWh annually—enough to power roughly 120 typical homes. This latest expansion is expected to save 60 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Over the next 30 years, the solar project is projected to slash electricity costs by more than £3.66 million and save an additional £315,907 in gas. Together, the three phases generate more than 500,000 kWh annually—significantly contributing to the centre’s energy needs and boosting its green credentials.

This ambitious initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Nottingham City Council’s Environment and Sustainability Division, Salix Finance, Lindum Group, UK Alternative Energy, and the Scape Framework. Technical specialists like Reshma Michael, senior energy project officer, and Eniola Olaniran, principal solar energy lead, played key roles in making the project a reality.

James Hipperson and Mike Lyon provided crucial support, helping secure and manage the Salix Recycling Fund, which financed this vital upgrade.

Designed with rigorous technical standards in mind, the installation meets the high benchmarks of ENA G99, BS EN 62305 lightning protection, and MCS certification. Lindum Group, in partnership with UK Alternative Energy and Empire Scaffolding GM Ltd, successfully delivered the project.

Cllr Sam Lux said: “Harvey Hadden Sports Village is one of the most energy-intensive buildings that we own, so it has been at the forefront of our efforts to decarbonise. I’m proud that we have taken a significant step forward, installing a new 307.58-kilowatt rooftop solar PV system, including an additional 676 state-of-the-art bifacial panels generating clean electricity each year starting this month. These savings aren’t just environmental; they support our ambition for financial sustainability and make the centre more resilient for the future. It’s a great example of what Nottingham is doing to lead the way in decarbonising public buildings and investing in a greener city.”

Richard Shaw, director at Lindum Group, said: “This has been a great project that showcases what’s possible when smart design meets sustainability goals. Harvey Hadden is now equipped with a state-of-the-art clean energy system that will deliver long-term cost and carbon savings for decades to come.”