Leisure World Colchester will temporarily close as it undergoes refurbishment enabled by a Sport England grant for green upgrades.

The funding is set to provide new pool covers for the fitness pool, dive pit, and teaching pool.

These will play a role in minimising heat loss and water evaporation, potentially reducing humidity levels and pool heating energy needs.

Cllr Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, neighbourhoods and leisure, said: "The council is committed to enhancing the facilities at Leisure World to provide a better experience for all users while promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.

"We believe that the week-long closure for these improvement works will bring long-term benefits to both our residents and the environment."

The practical gains of the upgrades include an estimated yearly saving of around 140,000 kWh, equivalent to a financial saving of about £5,200 based on present gas prices.

Furthermore, the funding enables the installation of energy-efficient motors controlling ventilation systems throughout the facility, resulting in more projected cost savings.

However, this upgrade requires a temporary closure.

The Fitness Pool and Teaching Pool are set to be shut from August 12 to August 18.

The project is targeting completion by the end of September 2024.