Historic Calderdale buildings set for low carbon future through £4 million investment

Salix colleagues visited the borough to see how Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is supporting the council’s ambitious plans to reduce emissions and modernise public buildings

Salix colleagues have visited Calderdale to see first-hand the early progress of a major decarbonisation programme that is set to transform some of the borough’s most iconic public buildings.

We’re working in partnership with Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver £4.1 million through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The funding will support the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with low carbon heat pumps across four council-owned sites, alongside a range of energy efficiency improvements.

The project, funded under Phase 4 of the scheme, is expected to save around 591 tonnes of carbon emissions each year through the installation of low carbon heating technologies.

As work begins, Salix programme co-ordinator Molly Evanson and colleague Claudia Head visited Calderdale to meet the project team and see first-hand how the scheme is progressing.

The visit included the Grade II listed Victoria Theatre in Halifax, the Grade II* listed Halifax Borough Market and Sowerby Bridge Leisure Centre. Brighouse Leisure Centre is also included in the programme.

The visit gave the Salix team the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in delivering low carbon upgrades across a diverse portfolio of public buildings, from historic landmarks to busy leisure facilities. 

At the Victoria Theatre, the team also saw the installation of new LED stage lighting, one of the first completed elements of the wider programme.

Programme co-ordinator Molly Evanson said: “It’s always rewarding to visit projects in person and see the work beginning to take shape. 

“Every building on this programme serves a different purpose within the community, and each presents its own unique challenges, particularly when introducing modern low carbon technology into historic and well-used public spaces.

“We’re delighted to be supporting Calderdale Council on such an ambitious programme. The council has developed a thoughtful, practical approach to decarbonising some of its highest-emitting buildings while ensuring they remain open and continue serving residents.”

The project will see air source heat pumps installed at Halifax Borough Market, Victoria Theatre and Sowerby Bridge Leisure Centre. Following further technical design work and changes to minimise service disruption, Brighouse Leisure Centre will now also receive air source heat pumps.

Heat pumps are significantly more energy efficient than traditional gas boilers, requiring less energy to deliver the same level of heating. By replacing gas with electricity-powered systems, the project will substantially reduce carbon emissions while improving reliability and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Alongside the heating upgrades, the funding will also deliver improvements to heating distribution systems, upgraded electrical infrastructure, a new substation at Halifax Borough Market, electrical capacity upgrades at the leisure centres and additional LED stage lighting at the Victoria Theatre.

Calderdale Council will contribute more than £800,000 towards the programme, which is expected to be completed over the next three years.

The project builds on previous Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme investment across Calderdale, which has already supported energy efficiency improvements at Bankfield Museum, Spring Hall, Brighouse Library and Art Gallery, Halifax Town Hall, Manor Heath Jungle Experience, Todmorden Market Hall and Todmorden Sports Centre.

Molly added: “This is a great example of how Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding is helping organisations make meaningful progress towards their net zero ambitions.”

Thank you to the team at Calderdale Council for hosting the visit, sharing your project challenges and insight.