The scheme at Thurso Leisure Centre was carried out by Pick Everard, Leslie Hutt Architects and O’Brien Construction on behalf of the local authority.

The facility includes a new reception area and changing village, as well as a refreshed multi-purpose studio. The swimming pool has undergone a complete refurbishment and has been fully retiled, with a new sauna and steam room installed.

Pick Everard provided mechanical and electrical (M&E) building services design to assist the council in reducing running costs and bringing the 50-year-old building back to life.

Doug Soutar, director at Pick Everard, said: “This was a complicated refurbishment which was carried out on a phased basis so that the leisure centre could remain in use.

“We incorporated new energy efficient mechanical and electrical services, including a biomass boiler. Our designs integrate an energy efficient ventilation system that is expected to save approximately 10% on revenue costs, and we have also used LED lighting throughout the centre, saving the council around 20 to 30% on the existing lighting energy costs.”