A permitted development application has been submitted for new solar panels to be installed on the eastern and southern sides of the building. The application RR/2026/0183/NPV was validated in February 2026 and is due for decision in April 2026, following consideration at planning committee.

If approval is granted, the council aims to fund the installation through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) infrastructure funding and Climate Emergency funding. The solar panels will help reduce the building’s carbon footprint and energy costs.

A full planning application has been submitted to replace the centre’s existing roof. The proposals also include improvements to the roof edges and the installation of solar roof panels.

The application RR/2026/0206/FULL was validated in February 2026 and is due for decision in April 2026, following consideration at planning committee.

If approved, the council intends to fund part of the roof replacement and solar installation work through CIL infrastructure funding and Climate Emergency funding, supporting both building improvements and energy efficiency.

Design teams for both projects were appointed in late 2025, and work has progressed well over the past few months.

The designs have now reached the developed design stage, meaning the main layout, structure and key features of the projects have been agreed. Work is continuing to prepare the detailed technical information needed for construction.

These detailed documents will be completed by the end of March 2026. They will then be issued to contractors in early April 2026, as part of the tender process to select a specialist contractor to deliver the works.