Riverside Leisure Centre
Norwich, Norfolk

The ambition

Riverside Leisure Centre, a key community facility in Norwich, set out to reduce its operational energy costs and environmental footprint in response to increasing energy prices and long-term climate goals. Motivated by Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund - designed to improve the sustainability of high-consumption public pools - Norwich City Council saw this as a pivotal opportunity. The installation formed part of the council’s broader commitment to reach net zero across all its buildings.

The solution

RenEnergy designed and delivered a bespoke solar PV system integrating both rooftop and carport installations. The total capacity of 300.46 kWp was achieved through 724 solar modules - 112 on the leisure centre roof and 622 across newly constructed solar carports.

The Riverside site presented distinct logistical and planning challenges due to its dense urban setting. Operating within a live, heavily used public facility, the project required meticulous planning to manage noise levels, ensure safety in an active car park, and maintain uninterrupted access for residents and visitors. Particular care was taken to minimise disruption and ensure full planning compliance in a sensitive community setting.

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Powering leisure, sustainably
Riverside cuts costs and carbon

724

Solar panels installed

300.46kWp

Total installed capacity

35%

Estimated Self-Sufficiency

278,468 kWh

Estimated Annual Generation

40,862 kg

Annual CO₂ Emissions Avoided

The solar installation now provides over a third of Riverside’s annual electricity needs from clean, renewable energy. This translates into significant cost savings - around 33% annually - which can be reinvested into local programmes, facility upgrades, and staff support, delivering social and environmental value.

Community Impact

By turning previously unused roof and car park space into productive energy assets, Riverside is not only reducing costs but setting an example for other public institutions. The project aligns with Norwich’s broader vision of achieving net zero.

A vision for the future

  • “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.”

    Cllr Emma Hampton, Cabinet Member for Climate Change

  • “The motivation for the installation was driven by funding made available through Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, specifically aimed at improving the sustainability of public swimming pools. The initiative was launched in response to the cost of living crisis and the high energy demands associated with pool facilities—many of which have faced closure in recent years. In parallel, the council had declared a climate emergency and committed to achieving net zero across all its buildings by 2030. Partnering with RenEnergy was a natural fit. From the outset of the project, they provided clear plans and consistent support, delivering a highly professional and positive experience throughout.”

    Greg Rowland, Norwich City Council, Leisure Development Officer

  • “This project was about more than just installing solar panels - it was about designing a system that makes best use of the space, delivers measurable savings, and supports the council’s long-term sustainability goals. By integrating both rooftop and carport arrays, we’ve created a solution that’s as functional as it is future-focused.”

    Luke Fletcher, Project Manager, RenEnergy

This initiative is a shining example of how underutilised infrastructure - such as rooftops and car parks - can be transformed into productive energy assets.

RenEnergy’s Role

RenEnergy was proud to partner on this landmark project, delivering:

✔ Completed the feasibility and planning works
✔ Full design and engineering
✔ Integration of rooftop and modular carport PV
✔ Long-term performance planning to support energy resilience and cost control

As a trusted partner to both public and private sector clients, RenEnergy continues to lead the delivery of solar solutions that align with environmental goals and infrastructure strategy.

Riverside Leisure Centre
Norwich, Norfolk

Note that all estimated performance figures are calculated using industry-standard systems and norms, assume ideal operating conditions, and would have been estimated as at the time of the installation.

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