Harvey Hadden Sports Village on track to become the UK’s Largest Solar-Powered Leisure Centre, supporting Nottingham’s Carbon
Neutral ambitions. Harvey Hadden Sports Village, part of Nottingham City Council, in Nottingham is believed to be the UK’s largest solar powered leisure centre, with a total installed solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of 571.5 kWp, following the completion of its third phase of solar installation. This groundbreaking milestone underscores Nottingham’s leadership in renewable energy and advances the city’s
ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality. This investment of over £449,000 of Salix support is a vital component of Nottingham
City Council’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainable energy across the city. The recent expansion cements Harvey Hadden Sports Village’s status as a leader in renewable energy within the public sector.
A Vision for Sustainability: Milestones of Installation
The journey to making Harvey Hadden Sports Village the UK’s largest solar-powered leisure facility began in 2015 with the installation of a 67.2 kWp solar carport. At the time, it was the biggest solar carport in the UK, covering 40 parking bays and generating approximately 50,772 kWh of clean energy annually. This marked the first major step toward transforming the centre into a solar-powered hub. In 2018, a 200 kWp roof-mounted system was added, significantly increasing the centre’s renewable energy capacity and reducing its dependence on grid electricity. The latest development came this year, with the addition of a 307.58 kWp rooftop solar system and this system comprises 676 bifacial panels (1,365 square metres) and is expected to generate around 257,752 kWh of clean energy annually, saving around 60 tonnes of CO2 each year. Over its 30-year lifespan, this phase alone is estimated to save over £3.66 million in electricity costs along with approximately £315,907 in gas savings. With these combined systems, Harvey Hadden Sports Village now generates over 500,000 kWh of solar energy each year—enough to power over 120 average homes.
Phase 3 Installation: A Game-Changer for Renewable Energy
The newest phase of the solar upgrade was officially inaugurated on April 28, 2025, by Cllr. Sam Lux, the Council’s Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture, in the presence of key partners including Jorge Santana, the Council’s Head of Service for Carbon Reduction Projects and Policy, along with representatives from Active Nottingham, Scape Framework, Lindum Group, and
UK Alternative Energy (UKAE). The latest upgrade will now meet 46% of the centre’s electricity needs with solar power and is expected to offset more than 105 tonnes of CO2e annually.
Community Benefit and Smart Design for Maximum Efficiency
The innovative new solar installation goes beyond just providing power for lights and heating. One of the standout features of this phase is the integration of an electric pool heater, powered by surplus solar energy. Of the total energy produced, 74% is consumed on-site, directly powering the building’s daily operations. Surplus solar power is used to heat the swimming pool, significantly reducing dependence on gas and improving overall energy efficiency. This system eliminates the need for expensive battery storage, offering a cost effective and environmentally friendly solution. By efficiently harnessing solar energy, the centre ensures its operations remain sustainable and making sure that all visitors, including families and children, directly benefit from this clean energy transformation. It is a prime example of how thoughtful, cost-effective design can deliver maximum environmental and social value.
A Collaborative Effort: Partnerships Driving Sustainability
The success of this installation is the result of a collaborative effort involving many colleagues from the Environment and Sustainability Division at Nottingham City Council, as well as partners from Salix Finance, Scape Framework, Lindum Group and UK Alternative Energy. Special recognition goes to the on-site staff and Properties team, the Solar Hub, including Reshma Michael, Senior Energy Project Officer, and Eniola Olaniran, Principal Solar Energy Lead, whose technical guidance has been instrumental throughout the project. Additional key contributions from the Carbon Reduction Projects and Policy Services by James Hipperson, Senior Energy Project Officer, and Mike Lyon, Energy Projects Manager, who were also crucial in securing and revising management through the Salix Recycling Fund, which enables the Council to reinvest savings from past energy projects into new carbon saving initiatives. The completed solar installation project was procured via the Scape Regional Construction framework and was designed and delivered to meet rigorous standards, including ENA G99 regulations, BS EN 62305 for lightning protection, and the MCS certification scheme. Lindum Group managed the project on behalf of the Council and worked alongside UK Alternative Energy and Empire Scaffolding GM Ltd to complete the installation.
Sustainability at the Heart of Nottingham’s Vision
Nottingham has set an ambition to become carbon neutral by 2028, and this solar expansion provides significant progress to Nottingham’s Carbon Neutral Action Plan, addressing the Council’s commitment to increase generation from renewable sources across its properties. Since 2009, the Council has implemented over 300 energy-saving projects, reducing emissions and saving nearly £4 million in energy costs.
Executive Member for Carbon Reduction, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Sam Lux,
“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.”
Head of Service for Environment and Sustainability, Jorge Santana, 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.”
Richard Shaw, Director at Lindum Group, remarked:
“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.”
A Model for Future Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Harvey Hadden’s transformation into one of the UK’s Largest Solar-Powered Leisure Centre sets a new standard for energy efficiency in public-sector buildings. As Nottingham works toward its goal of carbon neutrality, the success of this project highlights the potential of renewable energy solutions to benefit both the environment and the local community.
Posted on 07 May 2025
