Major decarbonisation milestone reached at Kendal Market Hall
Completion of low-carbon heating and energy efficiency upgrades marks a significant step in Westmorland and Furness Council’s journey towards net zero, supported by the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme
A popular historic market hall in Cumbria has been modernised with new energy efficiency works – thanks to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The works at Kendal Market Hall to replace old gas boilers with a greener air source heat pump have been completed as part of a £1.75 million wider project to upgrade and decarbonise council buildings.
Our teams at Salix have been working with Westmorland and Furness Council to deliver the works at several buildings as part of Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme. The work supports Westmorland and Furness work towards its carbon net zero position by 2037.
Whether it is creating warmer, more energy efficient homes for residents or ensuring our public buildings are future proofed, with lower carbon emissions and are more comfortable places to work, visit and enjoy, the need to act has never been greater.
Photo credit: Westmorland & Furness Council
Our director of public sector decarbonisation at Ian Rodger said: “We have no time to stand still in tackling climate change.
“Whether it is creating warmer, more energy efficient homes for residents or ensuring our public buildings are future proofed, with lower carbon emissions and are more comfortable places to work, visit and enjoy, the need to act has never been greater.”
Additional works are underway at Appleby Leisure centre, which will also have a new air source heat pump. Rooftop solar PV and triple glazing was recently installed and funded by Sport England. Further initiatives at Kendal Leisure Centre and South Lakeland House are planned for later this year.
The council has match funded the gas boiler replacement costs from their prioritised capital maintenance budget taking the total project value to more than £2 million. The estimated annual total carbon emissions saved from carrying out the projects is 343.2 tCO2e.
The council previously won funding under the Low Carbon Skills Fund, which was also delivered by our teams at Salix.
Cllr John Murray, cabinet member for climate change, biodiversity and regulatory services, said: “Completing the decarbonisation works at Kendal Market Hall is another important step in turning our climate ambitions into practical action.
“By replacing outdated gas systems with low‑carbon technologies, we’re cutting emissions, future‑proofing our buildings and demonstrating real leadership on climate change across Westmorland and Furness.”
Cllr Andrew Jarvis deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance said: “Improving energy efficiency not only reduces our carbon footprint, it also lowers running costs over the long term, helping us deliver better value for residents while investing wisely in the future of our public estate.”
Ian Rodger added: “The work at Kendal Market Hall is a powerful example of what can be achieved with the right vision and investment. Replacing outdated gas boiler systems with modern low-carbon alternatives will make a significant impact in reducing emissions - delivering benefits not only for the environment, but for the people who use and value this important public space every day.”
Additional works completed at Kendal Market Hall includes roof replacement, solar PV installation and an internal strip out and electric works.
The council is currently out to tender for the next phase of design as well as the building contract for the delivery of the Indoor Market Hall, which will include a specialist fit out for completion and reopening as a vibrant and attractive destination within the town and the wider county. This next stage is part of the transformational Heart of Kendal project, funded by the government's Local Regeneration Fund, which has a spending deadline of 31 March 2028.
