Watford Borough Council's Cabinet has approved plans for energy efficiency improvements to four community buildings.

The buildings set for upgrades are Watford Leisure Centre at Woodside, the Palace Theatre, Orbital Community Centre, and Harebreaks Community Centre.

These plans are supported by £400,000 from Sport England's Swimming Pool Support Funding and £1.4 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS).

The proposed improvements aim to "significantly enhance" the energy performance of these buildings, reducing carbon emissions in line with Watford's sustainability strategy.

The funding will allow for the installation of 655 solar panels at Watford Leisure Centre at Woodside.

For the community spaces, the investment will allow for air source heat pumps, roof insulation, cavity wall insulation, and replacement windows across the sites.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: "We are thrilled to move forward with our commitment to a greener Watford by enhancing the energy efficiency of key community spaces.

"Thanks to securing two successful funding grants totalling £1.8 million, we will be installing 655 solar panels at Watford Leisure Centre - Woodside and carrying out energy efficiency upgrades at key community buildings."

He added: "These improvements will not only have positive environmental impacts but will also lead to long-term savings by lowering energy costs and reducing heat loss.

"These projects are part of our aim towards a greener and more sustainable Watford, as part of my manifesto promise to reduce our net carbon emissions to zero by 2030."

The council's approval of these plans is part of its ongoing efforts to make community buildings more energy-efficient, aligning with the town’s sustainability goals.

WBC says the improvements will help it move closer to its sustainability targets while positively impacting the community's environmental footprint.