Dartford Borough Council’s investment in energy-saving improvements at Fairfield Leisure is delivering measurable results.
A major programme of improvements delivered by the Council in partnership with Places Leisure and specialist consultants and contractors has significantly reduced energy consumption at one of Dartford’s most popular community facilities, providing clear evidence of the benefits of investing in greener technology.
The programme has achieved a 20% reduction in energy consumption to date, demonstrating the positive impact of the improvements and delivering ongoing environmental and operational benefits.
The Council has worked closely with Places Leisure and specialist engineering consultants and contractors to transform how the centre generates and uses energy, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and improving its long-term efficiency.
The improvements include replacing traditional gas-fired boilers with modern air source heat pumps, installing more than 800 solar panels across the centre’s roof and car park, and introducing solar thermal technology to support swimming pool heating. Energy-efficient LED lighting and an upgraded building energy management system have also been installed to help optimise energy use.
The project involved significant engineering work, carefully coordinated to allow the leisure centre to remain open throughout. Much of the installation was undertaken overnight to minimise disruption to residents and ensure the facility could continue welcoming visitors.
The project has benefited from more than £1.5 million of Government funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, alongside significant investment from the Council. This has helped deliver modern, more efficient infrastructure while supporting the long-term sustainability of a much-valued community facility.
The results provide a practical demonstration of the Council’s wider Planet Dartford initiative, which brings together action to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and support Dartford’s journey towards net zero.
Similar improvements have also been undertaken at the Civic Centre, Orchard Theatre and Acacia Sports Hall, reflecting the Council’s ongoing commitment to making its buildings more environmentally sustainable.
Councillor Jeremy Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough Council, said: “Fairfield Leisure is a fantastic facility at the heart of our community, and it’s particularly encouraging to see that the investment we’ve made with our partners is delivering such positive, measurable results.
“We’re determined to make meaningful progress on sustainability, and that means taking practical action and being able to demonstrate the difference it’s making.
“Through Planet Dartford, we’re investing in improvements that reduce our environmental impact, make better use of resources and help secure a greener future for our Borough.
“This is a great example of how the Council, working alongside our leisure partners, can deliver ambitious projects that make a lasting difference for Dartford and its residents.”
Steve Parker, Head of Technical & Environmental Technical, said: "Sustainability is a key priority for Places Leisure, and we are proud to support projects that deliver lasting benefits for both our customers and the environment. The work at Fairfield Leisure demonstrates the value of strong partnership working and what can be achieved when leisure providers, local authorities and partners share a commitment to investing in the future. Together, we’re creating a facility that will continue to serve residents while contributing to a greener future for Dartford.”
The Council will continue working with partners to identify further opportunities to reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency and deliver lasting environmental benefits across the Borough.
Further information on Planet Dartford at Fairfield Leisure can be found at:
Planet Dartford – Dartford Borough Council
Fairfield Leisure | Dartford | Places Leisure