Charlestown Swim Centre will go electric thanks to a $5 million upgrade plan.
The Australian Government announced on Wednesday it would provide $2.5 million under its Community Energy Upgrades program for the work, with Lake Macquarie City Council matching the funding dollar-for-dollar.
The funding paves the way for new solar installation, replacement of gas boilers with electric heat pumps and LED floodlighting.
Solar PV panels will be installed on the roof of the existing main building and on new shade structures over an upgraded south-western car park.
The project includes expansion of the existing paved car park to formalise parking spaces in the current gravel section of parking off Dickinson Street.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the work would have the dual benefits of reducing the site's carbon footprint and making Council more financially sustainable.
"Charlestown Swim Centre is currently one of the single biggest users of electricity and natural gas in Lake Macquarie, due to the need to heat and light its pools," he said.
"Switching to electric will reduce CO2 emissions by about 420 tonnes a year, which is equivalent to powering 60 homes over the same period."
"It will also save us almost $130,000 a year in electricity and gas bills."
Work is expected to begin this financial year and be completed by 2028.
