New solar panels to provide 12% of Guildford Spectrum's electricity
Almost 1,200 solar panels are being installed on the roof of Guildford Spectrum as part of our work to make the leisure centre more sustainable.
Work begins this week, 12 October and covers around 2,400 square metres, roughly the size of six basketball courts. The panels are expected to generate around 500,000 kWh of renewable electricity each year. This will provide around 12% of the centre's annual electricity needs.
The project is expected to reduce Guildford Spectrum's carbon emissions by around 72 tonnes of CO₂e a year.
The installation is part of our continued investment in Guildford Spectrum, working with Freedom Leisure, which operates the centre on our behalf.
Cllr Vanessa King, Lead Cllr for Economy and Place said:
"Investing in renewable energy at Guildford Spectrum is an important step towards making one of our borough's major leisure facilities more sustainable.
"By generating more of the electricity the centre needs on site, we can reduce its reliance on the grid and cut its carbon emissions while continuing to provide the facilities our communities value.
"This is a significant investment in the long-term future of Guildford Spectrum and a great example of how we can work with our partners to make practical improvements that benefit both our communities and the environment."
Angela Brown, Head of Sustainability and Environment at Freedom Leisure, added:
"Guildford Spectrum welcomes thousands of visitors each day to enjoy the wide range of activities it brings together under one roof.
"For a leisure complex of this size, meeting 12% of its annual electricity needs with renewable energy generated on site is a significant step towards reducing its reliance on the grid and its carbon emissions.
"Our established relationship with Guildford Borough Council has been central to bringing this project to fruition. It reflects our shared commitment to more sustainable and resilient leisure provision and environmental responsibility."
Published date: 12 October 2026