Zest

The Zest Centre’s £2.7m capital investment programme to improve the building and make it fit for future generations is impacting the charity’s environmental plans after only a few short months.

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

Bright new atrium

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 space 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.

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 the renovation work and the building remained open.

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

Phase II begins in spring

Phase II of the project involves remedial work to the roof over the two gyms to the rear of the building. Unfortunately, the open to all gym and the women only gym will have to close for approximately eight weeks from March 17^th to accommodate the renovation work.

Zest understands the inconvenience and disappointment the closure will cause to its many loyal users and is currently looking at options to ensure members do not lose out due to the disruption. The good news is the popular swimming pool won’t be affected and will remain open as usual.

Solar panels will help Zest meet its sustainability targets

As well as improving the insulation of the building and making the roof safe Zest plans to install solar panels as part of the second phase refit.

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 2.07 tonnes, generating 9,234KW of power every year. That would be enough energy to run all the cross trainers and treadmills in both gyms for 12 months.

You can find out more about Zest’s environmental commitments 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 space, 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.”