A NEW leisure centre in Lichfield will be powered by a local community energy initiative.
The construction of the facility at Stychbrook Park is currently nearing completion.
Nearly 400 solar panels have been installed through a partnership between Staffordshire Community Energy (SCE) and Lichfield District Council.
The rooftop system is expected to generate around 149,000 kilowatt hours of clean electricity each year – with approximately 90% of the solar utilised on site and 10% sold to the grid to support a community fund.
Mike Kinghan, founder of SCE, said the project was another milestone in its mission to put local people at the heart of the energy transition:
“As a Community Benefit Society owned by its members, SCE has a powerful, not-for-profit community business model addressing climate change while also recycling financial surpluses back into local communities.
“Our aim has always been to keep the benefits of clean energy here in Staffordshire.
“Lichfield’s new leisure centre shows what that means in practice – a brand-new leisure centre receiving power from the sun, lower bills from day one and a community fund to support local projects.
“It’s proof of what’s possible when people come together to take control of their energy future.”
Cllr Janice Silvester-Hall, cabinet member for visitor economy, ecology and climate change at Lichfield District Council, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Staffordshire Community Energy to make the centre one of the most sustainable leisure facilities in the district.
“This partnership shows the power of community energy by reducing our carbon footprint, lowering running costs and investing savings back into local projects.
“It’s a brilliant example of how councils and communities can work together to take positive action with the changing climate while creating healthier, more resilient places for everyone.”
The project was supported by impact investment organisation We Have The Power, who provided bridging finance to enable delivery ahead of SCE’s forthcoming community share offer due to launch in early 2026, which will enable local people to have a stake in the ownership of the installation.
Residents can now register to be notified about the forthcoming share offer at staffscommunityenergy.org.uk/newsletter.
