Zest

Zest’s plan to switch to sustainable power to provide much of its energy consumption will take a step closer this week with the installation of solar panels.

The work will mark the near completion of the second phase of Zest’s massive £2.7m capital investment programme to modernise the charity’s Grade II listed home – one of Sheffield City Centre’s most iconic buildings.

Construction work to prepare the roof has been ongoing for the past month meaning Zest had to close its two gyms for health and safety reasons while the refurbishment went ahead.

Gyms to reopen in May

Phase II is scheduled for completion at the end of May when the charity hopes to be able to open the doors again to gym enthusiasts.

The photos below show the extent of the work and how the frames for all four solar panel pitches have already been fixed and the windows cleaned in readiness for the full installation.

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Solar panels will help Zest meet its sustainability targets

To ensure the building complies with heritage commitments the solar panels will be located on the out-of-sight rear elevation of the building.

Using the latest photovoltaic technologies, the panels will improve the building’s energy efficiency and help Zest meet its sustainability targets.

Initial calculations estimate the solar panels will reduce C02 emissions by as much as 9 tonnes, generating almost 37,000KW of power every year. That would be enough energy to run all the cross trainers and treadmills in both gyms for four years.

You can find out more about Zest’s environmental commitments here

Bright new atrium

Already, the first phase of the project is having positive repercussions with Zest smashing its green credentials with a massive 66 percent improvement in a recent environmental audit.

Phase I of the project was to strip off of the 100-year-old roof at the front of the building, install the latest insulation boarding and create a bright new super-tough glass atrium to replace the tired old dormer.

The first-floor Studio also received a full internal refit providing significant improvements to the existing office space. LED lighting was installed along with the insulation boarding resulting in instant energy savings.

The centre has used the opportunity to switch all lighting to LEDs hoping to cut C02 emissions by as much as 3.41 tonnes a year –making an incredible saving of £7,500.

The pictures below show the building externally before and after the work was completed. And the smart new interior of the Studio following renovation.

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Heritage matters

As a Grade II listed public building it was imperative any renovation work met with the heritage of the building. Existing tiles were salvaged and reused where possible with new materials being used only where necessary.

Fortunately, disruption was kept to a minimum during first phase of renovation work and the building remained open.

You can find out more about phase one of the project here

Attic refit

Phase III of the project will be tendered out in the spring with the hope work can begin in early summer. The third phase will include the renovation of the existing attic roof and the refit of the current derelict attic, creating attractive new office space.

Plans for further works to the swimming pool and library are also in the pipeline with details to be announced in the near future.

Zest’s CEO, Matt Dean said: “Zest is embarking on a programme of renovation and transformation over the next 5 years thanks to investment from the Sheffield City Council Leisure capital programme.   The ‘Upperthorpe Baths’ and ‘Upperthorpe Library’ have been at the heart of this community for over 100 years. This programme of improvement is about ensuring future generations can continue to benefit from this fantastic community resource.”

Matt continued, “improvements include new roofing, investment in green energy, improved changing facilities, reimagining the 1st floor library space and ensuring we shine a light on the rich heritage of this Victorian Grade II listed building.”