It’s goodbye to the old gas boilers at Bath’s historic Assembly Rooms with the arrival of a new electricity substation.
With the local electricity supply at capacity, having a substation dedicated to the building will free up capacity for surrounding residences and businesses. It may even allow other nearby properties to take a step towards going green, too.
Previously, the property relied on old and inefficient gas boilers to provide heat. To help switch off the gas and decarbonise, National Grid have delivered the new electricity substation, which will be connected to the grid at some point this year.
Colette Wilson, the National Trust’s project manager for Bath Assembly Rooms, said: “Caring for a Grade I listed building and giving it a sustainable future poses many challenges. Being situated in a World Heritage Site, surrounded by residential properties and businesses, adds to the complications. So, just getting a substation delivered and into the property is a huge milestone in the project, and we’re pleased this will enable us to meet our climate goals.”
The arrival of the substation marks the start of the journey this project is undertaking to adapt the building for climate change. Reducing the carbon emissions of running a Grade 1 listed property and improving its overall energy rating. This is one of many pieces of work that will mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure Bath Assembly Rooms is fit for the future.
Bath Assembly Rooms is temporarily closed as work continues on the ambitious plans to breathe new life into this historic building. Conservation and construction work continue to transform the building for a new Georgian visitor experience and a place for 21st-century assembly.
The project is estimated to cost £17m. With a fundraising target of £3.2m, we have raised £2.4m so far from a range of sources, including Individual Donors and Charitable Trusts and Foundations.
For individuals looking to support the redevelopment and ambition of Bath Assembly Rooms, there’s an option for people to join the Luminaries. To find out more about the Luminaries, visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/luminaries.
More information is available on www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bath-assembly-rooms
