Rebirth of The Folk: Upgraded Heating and Ventilation System Phase 2, Gloucester Civic Trust Limited

The project is to upgrade the heating system at The Folk of Gloucester. The buildings in this project are all Grade II* listed. The boiler and pump were renewed in 2017 but are now failing. A 2023 review funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) identified a need to upgrade the ineffective heating system and to improve the insulation and ventilation. Phase 2, which is the subject of this application, will replace the boiler and pump, flush the wet radiator system, and replace all radiator valves with the thermostatic units. The existing 1930s heavy radiators have been recommended as the most effective for use in these buildings.

The landlord, Gloucester Historic Buildings Ltd (GHB), has carried out a programme of structural improvement and developed a wide range of community uses and activities. These have been supported by grants from ECT, Architectural Heritage Fund, NLHF, NHS, Historic England, Gloucester City Council, and others. GCT has also recently been awarded £228,960 by the NLHF to make The Folk resilient and sustainable with a professional management structure.

Community uses have flourished, as has a programme of events, exhibitions and commercial use of modern letting rooms on site. However, the heating system has been adjusted, moved, and repaired constantly since its original installation under Council ownership. To extend the expanding visitor and tourism offer along with improved community use there is a need to bring the extensive upper floors into use, which can only be achieved with an effective heating system.