Solar Carports for Leisure Centres : Havering Council Case Study
Project Overview
Energy Gain was appointed by Havering Council to design and install a 369kWp solar carport system at Central Park Leisure Centre in Romford. The project forms part of the council’s wider commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency and delivering long-term operational savings across its public estate.
Unlike traditional rooftop solar, this project utilised purpose-built solar carports installed over existing parking bays. The system generates renewable electricity on site while providing covered parking for visitors and creating infrastructure that can support future electric vehicle (EV) charging.
With high daytime electricity demand from swimming pools, gym equipment, lighting, HVAC systems and leisure facilities, Central Park Leisure Centre was an ideal location for a large-scale solar PV installation.
The Challenge
Delivering a large solar carport installation within an operational public leisure facility required detailed planning, engineering expertise and close coordination with Havering Council.
Maintaining Public Access
The leisure centre remained fully operational throughout the construction period. Visitors continued using the swimming pools, fitness facilities and parking areas every day, meaning public safety and maintaining access were critical throughout the project.
Constructing Within an Operational Car Park
Unlike rooftop installations, solar carports require significant civil engineering works, including excavation, reinforced foundations and structural steel erection. These activities had to be carefully phased to minimise disruption to visitors while maintaining safe pedestrian and vehicle movements.
Structural Engineering
Supporting hundreds of solar panels above active parking spaces required carefully engineered steel structures designed to withstand wind loading and long-term operational demands. Accurate surveying and precise installation were essential to ensure structural integrity and alignment.
Coordinating Deliveries and Construction
Large structural steel components, solar panels, electrical equipment and lifting machinery all required carefully managed deliveries. Installation activities were coordinated to reduce congestion and maintain safe access throughout the site.
Our Solution
Energy Gain developed a phased construction programme that allowed Havering Council to continue operating the leisure centre while installation works progressed safely.
Following detailed site surveys, our engineers designed a bespoke solar carport system that maximised renewable energy generation while maintaining vehicle circulation, parking capacity and safe public access.
Construction works were carefully sequenced, with excavation, foundation installation, structural steel erection, electrical works and solar panel installation completed in planned stages. Temporary traffic management and clearly segregated working areas ensured the safety of visitors, staff and contractors throughout the project.
Regular communication with Havering Council and leisure centre management enabled construction activities to be coordinated around the site’s daily operation, reducing disruption and maintaining access wherever possible.
The completed installation now provides both renewable energy generation and covered parking, delivering practical benefits alongside significant environmental improvements.
Engineering Insight
Solar carports combine structural engineering with renewable energy technology to create dual-purpose infrastructure.
Unlike rooftop systems, every solar carport requires engineered steel frames supported by reinforced concrete foundations capable of carrying both the photovoltaic array and environmental loading throughout its design life.
Before construction commenced, Energy Gain completed detailed site surveys to determine:
- Ground conditions and foundation requirements
- Structural loading calculations
- Car park layout optimisation
- Vehicle clearance requirements
- Electrical infrastructure design
- Cable routing and inverter locations
- Future maintenance access
The finished system has been designed to deliver reliable renewable electricity generation while providing durable weather protection for vehicles and supporting future EV charging expansion.
Project Results
The completed 369kWp solar carport installation now generates clean renewable electricity directly on site, reducing Central Park Leisure Centre’s reliance on grid electricity while supporting Havering Council’s long-term decarbonisation objectives.
Project Statistics
- System Size: 369kWp
- Solar Panels Installed: 615
- Installation Type: Solar Carport
- Annual Generation: 309 MWh
- Annual COâ‚‚ Savings: 64 Tonnes
- Lifetime COâ‚‚ Savings: 1360 Tonnes
Why Solar Carports are Ideal for Leisure Centres
Leisure centres are among the highest electricity-consuming public buildings, making them excellent candidates for solar PV.
Swimming pools, filtration systems, air handling units, lighting, gyms and sports facilities all create significant daytime electricity demand that closely matches solar generation.
Solar carports provide additional advantages over traditional rooftop systems by:
- Generating renewable electricity without occupying roof space
- Providing covered parking for visitors and staff
- Supporting future electric vehicle charging infrastructure
- Improving the visual appearance of parking facilities
- Making productive use of existing car parks
- Supporting wider sustainability and Net Zero strategies
For local authorities, solar carports offer an effective way to improve public infrastructure while reducing long-term operating costs.
Project at a Glance
Item | Detail |
Sector | Local Authority / Leisure |
Client | Havering Council |
Site | Central Park Leisure Centre, Romford |
System Size | 369kWp |
Installation Type | Solar Carport |
Building Operational During Works | Yes |
Public Access Maintained | Yes |
Parking Maintained | Phased During Construction |
Structural Design | Bespoke Steel Carport System |
Future EV Charging Capability | Yes |
Health & Safety | Full RAMS and Method Statements |
Client Benefits
Following completion of the project, Havering Council now benefits from:
- Reduced electricity costs
- Lower operational carbon emissions
- Renewable electricity generated on site
- Covered parking for visitors
- Infrastructure ready for future EV charging
- Reduced reliance on grid electricity
- Long-term protection against rising energy costs
- Progress towards Net Zero commitments
Looking to Install Commercial Solar?
Energy Gain has extensive experience delivering commercial rooftop solar and solar carport installations for local authorities, leisure centres, schools, industrial facilities and commercial organisations across the UK.
Whether you’re considering rooftop solar, a solar carport or a combined renewable energy solution, our experienced engineering team can design a bespoke system that maximises energy generation while supporting your operational requirements.
Contact Energy Gain today for a free feasibility assessment and discover how commercial solar could reduce your organisation’s energy costs and carbon emissions.
