Zest

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.

We’ll be adding to our story as things takes shape. For now, here’s the plans for the first part of the project:

Phase one

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

The plan is 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.

Any structural work needs to comply with the heritage of the building. So, any renovation work will be in sympathy with the existing structure. Existing tiles will be carefully stripped off and the front facing roof retiled using the salvaged slates. The rear facing roof will then be slated using the remaining reclaimable tiles. Efforts will be made to salvage existing materials. New materials will be only be used if reclaimed ones are not fit for use.

Energy efficiency is key to the renovation work so insulation boarding will replace existing material on the interior walls and ceilings of the building. The addition of solar panels will be used on the exterior (out-of-sight) elevation to the rear of the building.

Phase one is expected to be completed in approximately eight weeks. The building will remain open throughout this first phase with only minimal disruption expected for the many people who use the building.

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.”