Details revealed of Riverside Leisure Centre solar project

In February the authority laid out plans to fix the devices to Riverside Leisure Centre as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions.

Certain considerations had to be met, however, such that the equipment had to be installed on a flat roof on the north side of the building. 

The project will see emissions cut at the centre by up to 33pc (Image: Newsquest) This was so that the solar panels would not produce any notable glare onto nearby flats and impact day-to-day life. 

Their position was also chosen so they would not "cause harm" in terms of design for the leisure centre. 

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A clause stated the pitched roof on the centre's south side would not be suitable because it would refract the sunlight into homes along lower King Street and beyond.

It also states the array cannot be taller than one metre or be built within a metre of the roof's edge. 

It was stipulated that the panels must be installed on the flat roof on the north side of the building (Image: Norwich City Council) The centre is not designated as a scheduled monument or listed building so there is no threat of historical impact. 

A report by the council anticipates that the new solar panels will reduce electricity usage at the venue by 33pc, with £53,000 of savings on utility costs per year. 

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The project is being funded by £520,000 in grant money and an additional £375,000 from borrowed funds. 

The panels will help the city reach its carbon emissions goal by 2050 (Image: Newsquest) It is currently unknown when work will take place, however, or if the centre will be closed while construction is carried out. The contractor for the project is yet to be announced.

According to data gathered since 2020, Norwich is on track to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, assuming adequate local and national resources are provided.