Aylestone Leisure Centre, Leicester

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Delivering renewable energy for Leicester City Council

Leicester City Council commissioned a major roof refurbishment and energy efficiency upgrade at Aylestone Leisure Centre, as part of the Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan.

The project was procured through the Crown Commercial Services Framework and supported by up to £500,000 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), contributing to the city’s drive to reduce carbon emissions and transition to low-carbon buildings.

Step Energy was appointed to design and install a large-scale solar PV system. The installation now enables the leisure centre to self-generate a significant portion of its energy demand, reducing reliance on the local electricity grid and lowering operational costs.

Step Energy’s role included:

  • Survey & Design: Development of a PV system design to maximise generation potential while integrating with wider refurbishment works.
  • System Installation: Installation of 828 south-facing Solfit PV panels mounted in a ballasted array, connected to five 50kW inverters to deliver a 347kWp system.
  • Roof Refurbishment Integration: Delivery of 4,000m² of new insulation and felt membrane, minimising heat loss and ensuring long-term durability.
  • Programme Delivery: Seamless delivery of works within a 32-week programme, aligned with project milestones.
  • Testing & Handover: Full system commissioning, certification, and O&M documentation provided to the client.

Performance and outcomes

The renewable energy installation has delivered exceptional results, surpassing original forecasts:

Annual Generation: 285 MWh (exceeding the 250.8 MWh estimate)
CO₂ Savings: 55 tonnes annually (12% above target) – equivalent to planting over 1,200 trees
Energy Cost Savings: Projected at approximately £74,000 per year, with a payback period of around 4 years
Lifetime Impact: Significant long-term reduction in carbon emissions and operational costs for Leicester City Council

Client feedback

“Communication is very good compared to other contractors, this is the easiest project I am dealing with at the moment. The team are coming back with solutions not problems and communicating well.”
John Gaddass, Technical Project Manager – Major Capital Projects, Estates & Building Services, Leicester City Council

Sustainable leisure centre construction

The Aylestone Leisure Centre project demonstrates how renewable energy solutions and sustainable construction practices can work hand-in-hand to deliver measurable benefits for communities. With substantial reductions in energy consumption, carbon emissions, and running costs, this project supports Leicester City Council’s Climate Emergency commitments while setting a benchmark for future low-carbon leisure facilities.