WiNSpace – provision of heat recovery ventilation system, Winscombe Community Association (WCA), Weston-super-Mare

This project is to provide a heat recovery ventilation system for the main event hall of a new build community centre.

The wider project is a new community centre (WiNSpace) which is being constructed to replace three end of life out-buildings. The build includes air-source heat pumps, insulation first design, and solar panels. Ventilation is key for the building to fully deliver.

This vision is for the villages to have new and refurbished facilities accessible for all, in the heart of the community. To enable people to come together for health, education, business, fitness, volunteering, social well-being, celebration, and fun to build community cohesion – A Centre to meet ALL needs.

The centre is in a rural community and provides a lifeline for many, reducing social isolation and rural inequality of opportunity and averages over 600 attendees a week with 100 hours of bookings – without a new build many of these activities will stop as the existing buildings are at end of life. Sustainability has been a priority for the build; to be a beacon of best practice for energy usage and reducing CO2, not just for the local community, but an example to other centres. ECT funding will enable the installation of the recommended Passive Heat Recovery ventilation system, providing comfort with minimal heat loss. An adequate ventilation system is critical for the proper functioning of the building. A properly ventilated building will also help those with COPD and other breathing disorders to better take-part in activities