Giving Cambridgeshire’s libraries and community hubs a greener future

Libraries have long been the cornerstone of our communities – places where people come together to learn, share and connect. Now, a number of Cambridgeshire’s most valued community spaces are being given a new lease of life thanks to major energy efficiency upgrades delivered through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Delivered by our teams at Salix, the scheme is supporting Cambridgeshire County Council’s ambitious commitment to becoming a net zero authority by 2030. 

The council was awarded £1.2 million in Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding, with additional investment from the council enabling improvements across a wide range of community buildings.

Energy efficiency works are taking place in libraries at Bar Hill, St Ives, and Whittlesey, as well as youth centres in Whittlesey (Scaldgate) and Sackville House which houses a library and council offices.

These sites were chosen as some of the highest carbon-emitting buildings owned or leased by the council. Each has now benefited from a range of upgrades, including:

• The removal of old fossil fuel boilers
• Installation of low-carbon air source heat pumps
• Energy-efficient LED lighting
• Replacement windows and insulation measures

These improvements will not only cut carbon emissions and reduce energy costs but also make the spaces more comfortable and welcoming for the local people who rely on them.

One of the most prominent projects is at Whittlesey Library on Market Street, Peterborough. Popular with local residents, the library doubles as a hub for community activities and support services.

At Whittlesey, the council has installed two air source heat pumps, new LED lighting, and replacement windows. The works are almost complete, with only final connection to the power network outstanding.

Premises manager Julian Leeming from Cambridgeshire said: “We are pleased to have given new life to Whittlesey Library, which is heavily used and is a real hub of activity.

“We would like to thank our community for being so patient during the works, which meant the library had to close for a period. 

“Our long-term ambition is to be a net zero authority by 2030 and cutting fossil fuel use while improving the energy efficiency of our buildings is an essential step in that journey.”

The project was not without its challenges. During the early stages of the retrofit, asbestos was discovered, requiring a full 12-week closure to make the site safe. Later, a further three days of closure were needed for window installation.

To minimise disruption, community clubs and meetings that usually take place at the library were temporarily relocated to alternative venues.

Our Salix client support officer Lara Smith visited the site.

She said: “This was one of the most challenging projects in the programme, but the outcome is fantastic. The library looks great, the systems are modern and efficient, and staff have been fully trained in how to use them. 

“This is a wonderful example of how decarbonisation funding can directly improve community spaces.”

During their visit to Whittlesey our team also toured Awdry House, which houses council offices and the registry office for marriages, births and deaths, as well as meeting rooms for families and social workers. This site has also benefited from the installation of two air source heat pumps.

Lara added: “The Cambridgeshire team is highly committed, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was inspiring to see the positive impact these works are already having, not only on the buildings themselves but on the local communities who depend on them.

“We left feeling very positive about the outcomes and look forward to continuing to work with the team until the grant period ends in March.”

With the completion of these projects, Cambridgeshire County Council is making significant progress toward its net zero goal. 

The upgrades are not just about reducing emissions - they are also about creating sustainable, modern spaces where people feel welcome, comfortable and connected.

For residents of Cambridgeshire, the result is clear: greener libraries, youth centres and community hubs that will serve their needs for generations to come.