Leisure centre decarbonisation.

The overall goal of the PSDS-funded scheme for Oxford City Council (OCC) was to significantly decarbonise four major sites: Hinksey Outdoor Pool, Leys Pool & Leisure Centre, Barton Leisure Centre, and Ferry Leisure Centre.

These goals were driven by the Council’s ambition to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions.

We provided a range of services to support the installation of heat pumps, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and battery energy storage systems. These services were essential to achieve the Council’s decarbonisation goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy efficiency.

• Energy Economics
• Acoustic modelling
• MEP design

The project ensured the long-term sustainability of the leisure centres, providing valuable community spaces while reducing their environmental footprint. Comprehensive end-user training also empowered staff to effectively manage and operate the new systems.

Making it essential for decarbonisation, electrification of heating and transportation raised a significant challenge as it often requires important and costly electrical upgrades, on and off-site. To address this and reduce cost and programme, battery storage systems were integrated in the design.

However, inclusion of behind-the-meter medium size batteries (200 to 450kWh) in the building environment is a novel approach and all design team had to adapt to this new technology and approach.


Additionally all four schemes from RIBA Stage 2 through to completion (Stage 6) had to fit within a 12-month programme. This required meticulous planning and coordination among all stakeholders.