Key numbers
Key numbers
Overview
Equans has transformed Askern Leisure Centre on behalf of City of Doncaster Council through a two‑phase, £4.5 million programme. The centre has been modernised with new low‑carbon technology and a full internal refurbishment, creating an updated, energy‑efficient, and fully accessible facility for the local community.
Our work
Phase one: An eco upgrade
Askern Leisure Centre has been brought into the 21st Century through an extensive retrofit – creating contemporary health and fitness facilities.
The £2.5million first phase of the project included the removal of a coal-fired boiler – one of just two remaining in the country at the time – which was replaced with two efficient air source heat pumps.
Phase one also involved improving the fabric of the building with a new warm roof, insulated external cladding and LED lighting. Double-glazed windows and doors were fitted along with a new air handling unit.
The improvements will save 700,623kwh of energy each year – a 17% reduction.
Emissions from the building will be as low as 264 carbon tonnes annually – offering an estimated saving of £21,936 per year for the council.
Phase Two: Community facilities upgrade
A £2million internal re-fit was completed in the second phase of work. The funding for this part of the project included a £1million Sport England grant to improve sport and fitness facilities for the community.
The pool hall, fitness studios, reception and viewing gallery were refurbished and a new cafe and seating area have been created.
New flooring and decoration throughout the building have added to the internal transformation.
Toilet and changing facilities have been remodelled alongside the creation of a ‘Changing Places’ accessible facility, which will ensure that the building can be used by the whole community.
Securing government funding
Equans worked with Doncaster Leisure Trust (DLT), which manages the centre, and City of Doncaster Council to bid for funding and to re-design the facilities.
Together, the partnership successfully secured £1.5million of funding for phase one from the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS), managed by the Department Energy Security and Net Zero.
The PSDS was launched in 2020 with the aim of reducing carbon emissions from public sector buildings by 75% by 2037.
Outcomes
- Fully refurbished eco-friendly building, part-funded by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
- Two new eco-friendly air source heat pumps
- New warm roof, external insulation, energy-efficient windows and doors and LED lighting
- Increased accessibility with the addition of a ‘Changing Places’ facility
- Sport England funding used to complete a second phase
- Brand new cafe area
- Estimated carbon savings totalling 4,000 tonnes over the lifetime of the energy improvements carried out
- Energy savings of 700,623kwh each year (17% reduction)
- Annual emissions reduced to 264 carbon tonnes
- Estimated annual saving of £21,936 for the council
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
