A GILLINGHAM leisure centre has continued to implement an eco-friendly ethos – with solar panels installed on the roof of the venue.

The RiversMeet Leisure Centre joined forces with Conrad Energy for the installation, which will build on work to cut energy use at the site.

RiversMeet is run by the Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust, which has already cut energy demands at the centre by 50% since 2019, thanks to changes to pool heating, ventilation and chlorination, lighting and showers.

Conrad Energy’s chief executive, Steven Hardman, said it was a ‘fantastic example of what is possible’.

“This kind of overhaul is a huge undertaking, and for the team here at Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust to have had the vision, pulled the team together and brought the whole thing into reality is truly remarkable,” he said.

“Conrad Energy are absolutely delighted to have been able to provide the solution that completes the project and look forward to a long-standing partnership with RiversMeet.”

A company spokesperson added: “We have been hugely impressed with what the team here have achieved and we’ve learned a few things that we can share with others, especially when it comes to making swimming pools more eco-friendly.

“The final piece of the puzzle was solar panels for the roof.

“Conrad Energy’s fully funded solutions enabled the Gillingham Community and Leisure Trust to avoid having to raise more funds before completing their landmark project.”