• Building for a brighter future

The story of a capital investment project.

Managing the general upkeep of a Grade II listed public building is one thing. Renovating it and making it more energy efficient and fit for use by generations to come is quite another. But those are the responsibilities Zest has taken onboard with the support of a massive £2.7m investment from Sheffield City Council.

Plans include reducing the organisation’s carbon footprint with the introduction of alternative energy sources, the modernisation of changing room facilities for the pool, upgrades to gym and leisure facilities, and major roof work to repair leaks and improve energy efficiency.

The plan was to complete the work in four phases. We’ll be adding to our story as things takes shape. For now, here’s the story so far:

Phase One

The first part of project tackled the 100-year-old roof – a major source of heat loss and a significant reason for the building’s high energy expenditure.

The plan was to remove the dormer sections on the ridge of the roof and replace with a small atrium like apex that will both improve the light inside and radically reduce heat loss.

Structural work had to comply with the heritage of the building. As a Grade II listed building this meant any renovation work had to be in sympathy with the original structure. Existing tiles had to be carefully stripped off and the front facing roof re-tiled using the salvaged slates. The rear facing roof was then slated using the remaining reclaimable tiles. Efforts were made to salvage as much of the existing materials as possible. New materials were only employed where reclaimed materials were not fit for use.

Energy efficiency was key to the renovation work so insulation boarding was used on the interior walls and ceilings of the building.

Phase One was completed on time taking approximately eight weeks. We manged to keep the building open throughout this first phase with only minimal disruption expected for the many people who use the building.

It didn’t take long for the first phase of the project to begin to have positive impact smashing green credentials with a massive 66 percent improvement on the previous environmental audit.

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 begin the switch to LED lighting. We’re hoping to cut C02 emissions by as much as 3.41 tonnes a year – making an incredible annual saving of £7,500.

The picture below shows the smart new interior of the Studio following renovation.

Phase Two

This was definitely the most difficult and most disruptive phase. We had no choice but close both gyms for approximately six weeks while the roof came off at the rear of the building and the solar panels were installed.

Solar panels will help Zest meet its sustainability targets and ensure our building is fit for future generations.

To ensure the building complies with heritage commitments the solar panels had to 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 with initial calculations estimating they 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

Due to unforeseen circumstances Phase Two overran and we were extremely grateful to the patience of our many gym enthusiasts and members.

The photos below show the extent of the work at each stage. From tiles removal and timber repair work to the installation of the pitches and finally the fitting of 144 four solar panel.

Although much of the work for Phase Two was external we used the opportunity to refit both our gyms internally. This included the purchase of new equipment. Both gyms now have a free weights section something members of our women only gym had been requesting. We aim toplease!

Below are some pictures from the gym refits.

Phase Three
Work has just begun on the third phase. This includes the clear out of attic space which had fallen into a state of disrepair. Planned renovations will take approximately twelve weeks to complete and will include the removal and offsite renovation of the original windows plus the installation of new secondary glazing to improve the building’s efficiencies. Being a Grade II listed building prevents the use of regular double glazing so great care is needed in the restoration of the ancient windows.

Insulation is to be applied to ceilings and walls to prevent heat loss, while the landscape of the top floor undergoes a total revamp with existing walls coming down to provide a bright, open, modern feel to the planned new offices.

The pictures below show what the top floor looked like during and after the clear out. Below that is an architect’s drawing of the planned new office space.

Zest Centre – its history

The Zest Centre is an outstanding example of Victorian architecture and public spending. Built in 1874 initially to house Upperthorpe Library the building was extended to provide a public swimming pool in 1895.

It’s a credit to Zest and the council that both these facilities still thrive in the building despite various funding crises over the years.

Commenting on the funding for the project and the opportunity for local people, Zest’s CEO Matt Dean said: “We now have an opportunity to invest in a local space that will meet the needs of our community for generations to come. Upperthorpe Baths and Upperthorpe Library have been community assets for over 125 years so, it’s really important we invest in the building and ensure it’s got a bright future ahead.”