Solar Panels Proposed to Cut Costs at Dunston Leisure Centre

Gateshead Council is considering installing 300 solar panels at Dunston Leisure Centre to help power the facility. This initiative is part of a larger £3.7 million plan aimed at making Dunston Leisure Centre more environmentally friendly. Blaydon Primary Care Centre is also slated to receive upgrades under this plan. The council has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

The proposed location for the solar panels is near the car park, deemed optimal according to council documents. A fence will be erected to ensure the panels’ safety. The project is currently awaiting official approval.

Gradon Architecture, in their report, highlighted the leisure center’s need for increased funding. Cutting heating bills through solar panels will significantly reduce expenses.

The project aims to achieve both cost savings and environmental benefits. By offsetting power consumption, the panels will reduce the need for new equipment. The adoption of air source heat pumps will further contribute to reduced energy usage.

Last November, the council selected Greenwich Leisure Limited to fund various centers, including Heworth, Blaydon, and Dunston, beginning in April 2025. The council leader stated that this partnership will lead to financial savings, particularly important given the council’s current financial challenges.

In 2023, Gateshead Leisure Centre closed, along with Birtley Pool, due to budget cuts. The council faced a substantial deficit of £34.4 million. However, both centers have since reopened under the management of community groups.

The closures sparked strong reactions from local residents who criticized the council’s financial management. They emphasized the importance of these centers to the community.