Energy Efficiency Upgrade, Beechwood Community Hub CIC

This project will install LED lighting at this community hub to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions in a deprived Middlesbrough neighbourhood. The restoration and refurbishment of Beechwood Community Hub CIC is essential to transform the building into a safe, energy-efficient, and welcoming community space. The current structure suffers from outdated insulation, inefficient heating that leads to high energy costs and discomfort for hub users. The upgrades are necessary to reduce environmental impact, lower operational expenses, and ensures the hub remains a sustainable, accessible venue for community activities, fostering social cohesion and supporting local needs into the future.

Current groups using the facilities include Swerve Table Tennis, Lions Den Boxing, Dance (including ballet, tap, jazz, acro, contemporary and many others as well as musical theatre), Zumba. It is estimated that over 500 regular weekly users pass through the doors of Beechwood in a bid to improve their health and physical wellbeing, as well as their mental and emotional health.

Environmental considerations: Solar panels will reduce energy costs and the hubs carbon footprint. LED lighting is better for the environment and will also reduce the carbon footprint. This project supports Middlesbrough’s Green Agenda.

Hard to reach considerations: The hub offers outreach via local schools and charities to include low income families; free workshops for ethnic minorities and disabled residents in this highly deprived ward.