CBES Construction working in close collaboration with our supply chain partners have recently completed a Highly successful major roof refurbishment and solar installation project at Penrith Leisure Centre on behalf of Westmorland & Furness Council. The works form a key part of the council’s £1m decarbonisation programme, designed to improve energy efficiency and accelerate progress toward net zero by 2037.
Project Overview
The scheme—funded jointly by the council and Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund—saw CBES deliver extensive roof repairs, enhanced insulation, and the installation of almost 1 km² of new solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, doubling the centre’s renewable energy capacity.
Works began on 7 April 2025 and were completed over a 17‑week programme, coordinated closely with leisure operator GLL to minimise disruption. External scaffolding was erected to maintain safe access throughout.
Collaborative Delivery
Sprayclad supported the installation of new roof panels and delivered a full Mansafe fall‑prevention system and Love Solar, specialists in photovoltaic systems, partnered with CBES to complete the expanded solar array.
Reducing Carbon Through Smarter Design
The council’s original roofing design specified Kingspan QuadCore panels, requiring:
- 17.12 tonnes of materials
- 9 days of crane use
- Imported panels transported from Ireland
- Total emissions: 59.48 tCO₂e
CBES proposed a more sustainable alternative using UK‑manufactured metal roofing panels with mineral fibre insulation, reducing:
- Material emissions
- Crane time (1 day instead of 9)
- Transport distances
- Total emissions: 30.38 tCO₂e
Outcome
CBES’s revised solution delivered a 29.11 tCO₂e reduction, almost halving the carbon footprint of the roofing phase. The upgraded solar array now provides a substantial source of clean, renewable energy—significantly reducing reliance on grid electricity and supporting long‑term operational savings for the leisure centre.
CBES In the Community
As part of our work at Penrith Leisure Centre, CBES proudly sponsored a pop‑up pump track to support a local BMX event. The free, week‑long activity welcomed riders of all ages on bikes, scooters and skateboards, with around 300 residents taking part from early mornings to evenings under the floodlights.
Installed by local contractor The Dirt Factory, the track quickly became a community favourite. Council feedback highlighted extensive use, a welcoming atmosphere, and even reduced reports of anti‑social behaviour in the area.
Councillor Lorna Baker praised the project for bringing people together and showing how accessible outdoor spaces can strengthen community wellbeing. The initiative formed part of the social value commitment within Westmorland and Furness Council’s capital projects, with CBES funding the event alongside our ongoing roofing and solar PV works at the leisure centre.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 200 requests for a permanent pump track. Community Development Officer Richard Scoffham described the reaction as 'unprecedented in his 15 years of service'.
CBES is delighted to have supported an event that delivered so much joy and energy to the community.
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