LED Lighting Case Study
Arc Leisure Matlock
Swimming Pool
Matlock, Derbyshire
%
Annual savings
52,719 kWh
18.5 Tonnes CO2
6.2 years payback
Solas was appointed to design and deliver a full LED lighting upgrade for Arc Leisure Matlock, a flagship leisure centre owned by Freedom Leisure in the Derbyshire Dales. The project aimed to improve lighting quality, reliability, and energy efficiency while supporting the client’s sustainability and operational goals.
The Client & Challenge
Arc Leisure Matlock provides modern sports and leisure facilities for the local community and visitors to the Peak District. Freedom Leisure wanted to reduce the centre’s energy use and carbon footprint while improving lighting conditions for swimmers and spectators.
The existing high-intensity discharge (HID) fittings were inefficient, expensive to maintain, and produced inconsistent light levels. Some fixtures had failed entirely, leaving sections of the pool below the recommended standards for competitive swimming. The challenge was to replace the outdated system with a durable, low-maintenance solution that could adapt to different activities and improve the look and feel of the space.
Energy efficiency is one of the first things we address when taking on a new facility. It is in everyone’s best interest to cut costs and reduce environmental impact.
– Jeremy Rowe, Regional Operations Director, Freedom Leisure
The Solas Solution
Solas designed a bespoke LED lighting and control system tailored to the pool’s unique layout and operational needs.
Lighting Design
A full site survey identified existing load constraints and access limitations. Based on this, Solas specified high-performance IP67, IK08-rated luminaires manufactured from marine-grade aluminium with stainless steel fixings for durability in humid pool conditions.
Control System
A DALI scene-setting control system was introduced, giving the client five lighting levels ranging from 100 to 500 lux. This flexibility allows light output to be adjusted for everything from swimming lessons to regional competitions, ensuring comfort and efficiency throughout the day.
Lifecycle Benefit
Project Delivery
The installation was planned in detail to ensure the centre could continue operating as normal. All work took place overnight to avoid disruption, with the pool and public areas fully reinstated each morning.
Where tower scaffolding was not suitable, Solas designed a custom access frame to reach fittings in the elevated gallery area safely and efficiently.
The project was completed to schedule, with no disruption to the client or their customers.
Results & Impact
The project delivered the expected lux levels, and Freedom Leisure expressed their satisfaction with both the quality of the lighting and the service provided. The adjustable light settings meet the client’s operational needs and are regularly used to support different activities within the pool.
54% reduction
in annual lighting energy use
52,719 kWh
saved each year
18.5 tonnes of CO2
reduced each year
6.2 years
payback
Delivering Long-Term Value
After completion, Solas ensured Freedom Leisure’s team were confident in using and maintaining the new system through on-site training and follow-up support. Performance checks one month later verified that the system was running exactly as intended.
The upgrade has set a new standard for efficiency and control within the centre, providing a dependable platform for ongoing operational savings.
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