Issue - meetings
Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3c Windrush Leisure Centre
Meeting: 16/07/2025 - Council (Item 22)
22 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3c Windrush Leisure Centre 
PDF 94 KB
Purpose
To present the business case for the decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre.
Recommendation
Subject to the resolutions of the Executive on 9 July, Council is recommended to resolve to:
1. Allocate an additional council contribution of £340,683 towards the project in addition to the £224,866 already included within the capital programme.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for ClimateAction and Nature Recovery, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to present the business case forthe decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre. In his introduction, the Executive Member:
· Explained that the proposal was to replace the gas fired heating system with Air Source Heat Pumps, and that the report sought approval toproceed to theconstruction phase and allocate additional Council funding.
· Highlighted that the scheme would result in an 8.8% reduction in the Council’s total carbon emissions with alifetime carbon saving of 5100 tons, helping the Council reach its target of carbon neutrality by 2030.
· Stated that the total capital cost of the project was estimated over£2 million,with theCouncil's contribution being over£500,000.
· Notedthat the project must bedelivered and operational by31 March 2026 to receive grant funding.
· Also noted that there was an error in the report, which stated thatthe carbon reduction saving was 39%, while it was actually 60%.
In thediscussion, members raised the following points:
· The point that demolishing theexisting leisure center and constructing a new one may bea betteroption was raised, but it was noted that demolition would beworse for carbon dioxide emissions.
· Thepotential risks and closure ofthe leisure center due to extremely cold weather were raised. The Executive Member noted that the risk would only be in very cold weather and an electricity sub-station nearbythe leisurecenter wouldmitigate theissues.
The Director of Place explained that there wasno fixed cost for the project at present and that costs would be properly outlined in September/Octoberthis year. They also noted that there was a 10-year commitment to the WindrushLeisure Centre with thisproject after theissue was raised ofhaving to keep itfor potentially 20 years.
Councillor Prosser proposedaccepting therecommendations inthe report.
CouncillorSumner seconded therecommendations andhighlighted that West Oxfordshire had been named the top rural district in the UK for
climateaction, explaining thesignificance would have on helpingthe community prevent climate change.
Theproposal wasvoted onand approved.
Council resolved to:
1. Allocate an additional Council contribution of £340,683 towards the project in addition to the £224,866 already included within the capital programme.
Voting record- For 30, Against 5, Abstain 7, Did not vote
Meeting: 09/07/2025 - Executive (Item 369)
369 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3c. Windrush Leisure Centre PDF 94 KB
Purpose:
To present the business case for the decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre.
Recommendation(s):
That the Executive resolves to:
1. Agree to progress to the construction phase of the Windrush Leisure Centre decarbonisation scheme.
2. Recommend to Council to allocate an additional council contribution of £340,683 towards the project in addition to the £224,866 already included within the capital programme.
3. Request Officers to bring forward a works programme for the activities identified in the recent condition survey for the Windrush Leisure Centre.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to present the business case for the decarbonisation of Windrush Leisure Centre. This process involved removal of the reliance on gas fired heating systems and replacing these with Air Source Heat Pumps. Councillor Prosser detailed the reduction in the Council’s annual carbon emissions achieved by the scheme. Funding for the scheme was explained to be a combination of Council funding and Salix grants. The scheme must be delivered and operational by 31 March 2026 to secure the remaining grants.
In the discussion it was noted that the 8.8% reduction in total Council carbon emissions achieved by this scheme demonstrated the huge step this scheme would be making towards climate goals. It was noted that the March 2026 deadline carried risk of losing funding, however Officers dealt with such projects and timescales regularly and had expertise in doing so. The Climate Change Manager noted that preparations had been made to enable contractors to be on site very soon following approval by the Executive, the planning permission application was going to Uplands Area Planning Sub-Committee, and it was the aim to complete the scheme by January to allow room to resolve any issues.
Councillor Prosser proposed accepting the recommendations of the report.
Councillor Smith seconded the recommendations
This proposal was voted on and approved unanimously.
RESOLVED:
That the Executive:
1. Agreed to progress to the construction phase of the Windrush Leisure Centre
decarbonisation scheme.
2. Recommended to Council to allocate an additional council contribution of £340,683 towards the project in addition to the £224,866 already included within the capital programme.
3. Requested Officers to bring forward a works programme for the activities identified in the recent condition survey for the Windrush Leisure Centre.