Works at Kendal Market Hall to replace inefficient gas boilers with a greener air source heat pump were completed recently, as part of a £1.75 million wider project to upgrade and decarbonise key council buildings.
Westmorland and Furness Council applied to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme to fund works at several buildings, supporting plans to get Westmorland and Furness to a carbon net zero position by 2037.
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix. The programme enables public authorities to fund works to decarbonise their estates in support of national decarbonisation targets.
Additional works are underway at Appleby Leisure centre, which will also benefit from an air source heat pump. Rooftop solar PV and triple glazing was recently installed, thanks to an additional project, 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 over £2 million.
The estimated annual total carbon emissions saved from carrying out the above projects is 343.2 tCO2e.
This grant award builds on previous successful applications for funding, including the Low Carbon Skills Fund award for decarbonisation assessments at all 69 council managed schools and funding for leisure centre works from Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.
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 By replacing outdated gas systems with low‑carbon technologies, we’re cutting emissions, future‑proofing our buildings and demonstrating real leadership on climate change across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.”
“These projects show how national funding, backed by local investment, can deliver meaningful carbon reductions while supporting our long‑term commitment to reach net zero by 2037.”
Cllr Andrew Jarvis Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance said:
“This programme highlights how careful financial planning and partnership working can unlock significant external investment for our area. By drawing on multiple funding streams, we’re able to upgrade key public buildings while protecting council finances.”
“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.”
Director of public sector decarbonisation at Salix, 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.
“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 to date at Kendal Market Hall includes perimeter wall repairs, roof replacement, solar PV installation, 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.
Kendal Town centre is set for more enhancements next year as engineering consultants WSP have been appointed to take forward the renewal of Market Place and Kent Street. Construction is expected to start in Spring 2027 and be finished by Spring 2028.
Further engagement is planned through the summer months once visuals and plans are available for the new indoor market hall, as part of the wider Heart of Kendal programme, funded by the Local Regeneration Fund, which will revitalise the Kendal market offer and support regeneration efforts across the town centre.
