Health centre unveils green side

Residents have been consulted over the centre's facilities

A new energy-efficient £8m health centre in Derbyshire will use gym-users to help heat the building.

Work began on the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley during the summer after 10 years on the planning board.

As well as heat from the exercise room being recirculated, officials said the solar panels would help the centre to generate 40% of its energy needs.

The centre, which has a pool, climbing wall, fitness suite and health spa, is due to open in March.

It also boasts super-efficient gas turbine heating, water recycling light sensors, top of the range insulation and computer controlled energy management system, officials said.

Chesterfield Borough Council leader, Cllr Ray Russell, said: "The new centre is often referred to locally as 'the big blue building' because of the colour of the exterior cladding, but this impressive list of energy-saving features demonstrates that it truly is 'green'.

"As well as providing the most modern fitness facilities available, it is leading the way in demonstrating how green technology can help conserve the Earth's resources."