Witham Leisure Centre
Essex
Witham Leisure Centre is a vibrant, multi-purpose facility in Essex that plays a central role in promoting health, fitness, and wellbeing in the local community. Operated by Braintree District Council and managed by Fusion Lifestyle, the centre offers a wide range of amenities including swimming pools, gyms, fitness studios, and sports halls. As a community-focused hub with high energy demands, the centre has made sustainability a core part of its operational strategy. In line with the Council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency across public facilities, Witham Leisure Centre became the focus of a landmark solar installation project led by RenEnergy.
The ambition
Witham Leisure Centre, operated by Braintree District Council, sought a forward-thinking energy solution to meet its growing sustainability goals. In 2024, the Council procured RenEnergy to design and install a system that would reduce the centre’s carbon footprint and operational costs while aligning with the requirements of a Sport England funding initiative. The goal: a clean energy installation that could be delivered under tight timelines, with minimal disruption to the community.
The solution
RenEnergy delivered a comprehensive solar solution for Witham Leisure Centre, consisting of 983 photovoltaic (PV) modules installed across both roof and carport structures. The total system capacity of 407.94 kWp is expected to yield approximately 399,268 kWh annually. This installation not only reduces the centre’s reliance on the grid but also avoids an estimated 59,415 kilograms of CO₂ emissions each year. The system achieves a self-sufficiency level of 34.7%, significantly contributing to the centre’s sustainability goals.
Installation in progress
To maximise functionality and community benefit, the installation also included solar carports that provide shaded parking for visitors while generating clean energy. By strategically combining rooftop and carport arrays, RenEnergy ensured optimal use of available space without compromising the centre’s daily operations. The system now supplies a substantial portion of the centre’s electricity needs, supporting both environmental targets and operational efficiency.
The project had to be completed before the end of March to meet the Sport England funding deadline. Installing both the rooftop and carport systems in parallel created complex logistical, resource, and health and safety challenges. Multiple local contractors operated on-site simultaneously, requiring clear communication and real-time decision-making. RenEnergy collaborated closely with Witham Leisure Centre management and Braintree District Council’s sustainability team to navigate these demands, ultimately completing the project ahead of schedule.
Impact
This installation is more than just an energy system - it’s a visible statement of the Council’s commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing.
Powering refreshments
Enough energy generated
annually to boil approx. 14 million cups of tea
Driving clean transport
Enough energy generated to charge an electric vehicle to drive around the world 48 times
Environmental benefit
Over 59 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided annually
983
Solar panels installed
407.94kWp
Total installed capacity
9
Inverters installed
“Delivering renewable energy solutions isn’t just about technology - it’s about collaboration, precision, and adaptability. Witham shows what’s possible when urgency meets partnership.”
Damian Baker, Managing Director, RenEnergy UK
The benefits
The bespoke design offers maximum yield on roof and carport orientations
Generating energy on-site ensures the leisure centre has an additional supply of clean energy
Leading the way in adopting a more sustainable energy transition
Reduce its energy spend and improve its bottom line – in turn boosting profitability
Witham Leisure Centre
Essex
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.