Plans for the largest decarbonisation project ever undertaken by Bassetlaw District Council have moved a step closer.
Cabinet Members have approved the additional investment needed to complete the work at Worksop and Retford Leisure Centres, two of the council’s biggest carbon emitters.
The decarbonisation work will deliver long-term environmental gains and future-proof the centres, with forecast annual energy savings of up to £74k/year.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “This project would represent the largest decarbonisation we have ever undertaken and would help safeguard the leisure facilities operations by reducing energy costs.
“It also supports our Vision 2040 by bringing modern energy efficiency measures to essential community infrastructure.”
The council was previously successful in securing funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonation Scheme, which is contributing to the UK’s ambition to be net zero by 2050.
This has funded the equipment for the project but delays, due to complexities and timing of legal negotiations, mean up to £2million funding is needed for the work to be carried out post grant deadlines.
The project is due to begin this summer and, when complete, gas consumption will be reduced by almost 4 million KWh per year, the equivalent to 30 percent of all the Council’s building-related emissions.
Michael Hirst, BPL’s CEO said: “"We welcome this significant investment by Bassetlaw District Council in enhancing the sustainability of its leisure centres.
“While these essential improvements may lead to some temporary disruption, our on-site teams are working diligently to minimise any inconvenience for customers"
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding has previously been used to support work at 17b in 2025, Queens Buildings in 2023 and Kilton Forest Golf Course Clubhouse in 2021.
Last Updated on Tuesday, June 2, 2026