The council is midway through its planned improvements to The Eltham Centre, operated by Better, to carry out essential repairs and lower the leisure centre and library’s carbon dioxide emissions.
Cllr Tom Creswell, Cabinet Member for Planning & Development, said: “Our de-carbonisation and maintenance works at The Eltham Centre are a significant step towards being carbon neutral by 2030, and will future-proof the much-loved community building. Improvements include switching gas boilers to air source heat pumps, replacing window glazing, and upgrading the heating and cooling system.
"The works have been part-funded with a grant of £4million from the government's Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to help switch our public buildings, including our schools, from fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives and cut carbon emissions.
"We've managed the works carefully around keeping the centre open to the public and avoiding a long-term closure, so that residents can still access the facilities they need."
Cllr Adel Kahireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities & Leisure, said: “The Eltham Centre is a well-loved leisure centre and library visited over a million times in the last year alone. From yoga and boxing to book clubs it has it all. We want to keep it that way for years to come and that’s why we’re investing to future-proof it and to make sure it remains a modern, comfortable and welcoming space. Half-term is coming so don’t miss out on our Kids Swim for £1 offer and what’s on at the library for Black History Month and Halloween.”
The improvement works started last autumn and are due to finish next spring. Due to the nature of the work, some areas may be closed at short notice. Updates will be shared through Better’s social media channels and by signs displayed within the leisure centre reception. The car park remains closed due to the scaffolding needed to allow access to the roof. Alternative parking is available on Orangery Lane until the work is completed.