Solar Panels Installed at Leeds Council Garden Centre

February 10, 2026 Off By

New solar installation aims to reduce energy use at The Arium

Leeds City Council has installed over 600 square metres of solar photovoltaic panels at The Arium, its council-run plant nursery and garden centre in Whinmoor. The new solar array is expected to reduce the centre’s energy consumption by approximately 39 per cent, contributing to the council’s wider efforts to lower carbon emissions across its estate.

Details of the solar panel installation

The solar panels cover more than 600 square metres of rooftop space at The Arium.
The installation is projected to generate around 119,294 kWh of electricity annually.
The clean energy produced will reduce operational costs for the garden centre.
The Arium is the largest local authority-run nursery in the UK, with 19,000 square metres of glasshouses.
Plants grown at the site are used for displays across Leeds.

Context within Leeds City Council’s climate strategy

This project forms part of a broader package of solar energy schemes supported by Great British Energy and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) Mayoral Renewables Fund. Leeds City Council has already installed solar panels on over 30 council-owned sites and more than 30 schools.

A report presented to the council’s executive board in December 2025 highlighted that Leeds’ overall carbon emissions have fallen by 38 per cent since 2005, from 6.3 million to 3.9 million tonnes. The council’s own carbon footprint has decreased by nearly two thirds (65 per cent) during the same period.

Next steps for decarbonisation at The Arium

Following the solar panel installation, the council plans to replace the site’s gas boilers with air source heat pumps as part of the next phase of decarbonisation.

Statements from local officials

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said the funding was a significant step towards making Leeds the UK’s first net zero city. He emphasised the benefits of investing in clean technologies for reducing emissions, lowering energy bills, and creating sustainable public spaces.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change, referencing recent extreme weather events in the region. She stated that investment in renewable energy would help West Yorkshire become greener, more resilient, and energy efficient, supporting the goal of achieving net zero by 2038.