As part of a major decarbonisation programme at leisure centres across East Suffolk, works at Deben Leisure Centre have been successfully completed, with the swimming pool set to reopen, as scheduled, on Monday 13 July.
East Suffolk Council is undertaking a major decarbonisation project at Deben, Leiston and Waterlane Leisure Centres, supporting the Council’s commitment to improving energy efficiency and achieving net zero emissions.
At Deben Leisure Centre, significant upgrades have been carried out to the roof above the pool, alongside the installation of modern, low-carbon heating and energy systems. These improvements will help reduce emissions, lower energy consumption and secure the long-term future of the facility.
During the closure, additional maintenance works were also undertaken within the pool and changing areas. This included full renovation of the showers, painting and a comprehensive deep clean of the pool and changing facilities.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism, said: “We are delighted that the pool at Deben Leisure Centre will reopen as scheduled on 13 July. These important upgrades will transform the centre into a more sustainable, energy-efficient facility while maintaining the high-quality experience our residents expect.
“During the closure, we also took the opportunity to complete a range of planned maintenance works, including fully renovating the showers, carrying out painting, and undertaking a deep clean of the pool and changing areas. This ensures the whole facility is refreshed and ready to welcome customers back.
“I’d like to thank our customers for their patience during the temporary closure. This investment ensures the centre remains fit for the future, supporting both the wellbeing of our communities and our environmental ambitions.”
While the pool and health suite will reopen on the planned date, additional works at the site are still ongoing. Further upgrades within the plant room, along with the installation of a solar panel carport in the main car park, will continue over the coming months. Planning permission for the solar carports has now been approved, and installation will begin shortly. To minimise disruption, only small sections of the car park will be closed at any one time, with works phased over approximately three weeks.
The project is funded through the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme alongside East Suffolk Council investment. It will deliver a range of environmental benefits, including electrically powered plant equipment, solar energy generation and more efficient heating systems using low-impact refrigerants.
East Suffolk Council remains committed to investing in its leisure facilities to ensure they continue to meet the needs of residents while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Deben Leisure Centre is operated and managed by Places Leisure on behalf of East Suffolk Council. Customers are encouraged to check the Places Leisure website for updates on reopening arrangements and session availability.
Throughout the closure period, the wider leisure centre has remained open, and customers have been able to access alternative swimming facilities at Leiston and Felixstowe Leisure Centres.
Due to nearby nesting swifts, work to a small section of roof has not been completed however this work will take place as soon as possible after nesting season.
