Kendal's Market Hall transitions to eco-friendly heating with a new air source heat pump
Part of a wider project to decarbonise council buildings
Kendal Market Hall's inefficient gas boilers have been replaced with a greener air source heat pump, marking a significant step in local efforts to cut emissions.
This transformation is part of a £1.75 million project, aimed at upgrading and decarbonising key council buildings.
Westmorland and Furness Council secured the funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, managed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix, as part of its strategy to reach carbon net zero by 2037.
Additional green initiatives are currently underway at Appleby Leisure Centre, which is also incorporating an air source heat pump, alongside rooftop solar panels and triple glazing.
The latter improvements were funded by Sport England.
Further projects are scheduled later this year at Kendal Leisure Centre and South Lakeland House.
The council has matched the costs from its capital maintenance budget, bringing the total project value to over £2 million.
The estimated annual carbon emissions savings from these enhancements are 343.2 tonnes of CO2e.
The Kendal Market Hall decarbonisation builds on previous funding successes, including the Low Carbon Skills Fund award for decarbonisation assessments at 69 council-managed schools and Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund.
Cllr John Murray, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Regulatory Services, said:
“Completing the decarbonisation works at Kendal Market Hall is another important step in turning our climate ambitions into practical action. By replacing outdated gas systems with low‑carbon technologies, we’re cutting emissions, future‑proofing our buildings and demonstrating real leadership on climate change across Westmorland and Furness.”
“These projects show how national funding, backed by local investment, can deliver meaningful carbon reductions while supporting our long‑term commitment to reach net zero by 2037.”
Further enhancements at Kendal Market Hall include perimeter wall repairs, a roof replacement, solar panel installation, internal strip-outs, and electric works.
The council is now seeking tenders for the next phase of design and construction, with plans to complete and reopen the Indoor Market Hall as a dynamic destination within the town under the Heart of Kendal project.
Funded by the government's Local Regeneration Fund, efforts to renew Market Place and Kent Street under this initiative are poised to start in Spring 2027 and finish by Spring 2028.