Photos show a 90-tonne crane lifting a three-tonne air handling unit and air source heat pump onto the roof of Trowbridge Town Hall.
The move is yet another step towards the completion of the £8.15 million redevelopment of the historic building.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport and assets, said: “We are approximately half-way through renovating this historic building and are now at a stage where we are installing mechanical and electrical equipment.
“As we intend to grant the Trowbridge Town Hall Trust a 125- year lease on completion of the works, it is important that we provide equipment which not only brings this old building into the 21st century but is energy efficient with low future maintenance costs.
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The huge three-tonne air handling unit and air source heat pump is lifted by a 80-tonne crane onto the roof of Trowbridge Town Hall. Image: Trevor Porter 77095-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)
“This will help ensure that this much-loved cultural and community asset remains a vibrant hub of activity in Trowbridge town centre for future generations to enjoy.”
Meticulous planning went into fitting the crane within the site compound to reduce disruption and the need for a road closure in Market Street.
The space on the roof is also extremely limited so substantial work went into remodelling and strengthening the roof to ensure that it fitted.
The huge three-tonne air handling unit and air source heat pump in situ on the Trowbridge Town Hall roof. (Image: Beard Construction / Wiltshire Council)
The air handling unit installed by contractors Beard Construction will provide heating and ventilation to the Great Hall and the air source heat pump will provide heating and hot water to the building.
Having a renewable source of energy such as an air source heat pump means that there is no gas in the building and therefore improves the efficiency and environmental impact of running the building when in use.
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Ensuring these renewable systems can work in a Grade II-listed building has taken significant planning and design, whilst retaining items such as existing heritage radiators.
Work started on the Town Hall redevelopment in July 2023 and it is hoped it will be completed by the summer of next year.
A Trowbridge Town Hall spokesperson said: “When we re-open again, the Great Ballroom will have been restored to its former glory.
“Seven recording studios will have replaced the existing cells in the basement, and the old Magistrates Court will house a performance space and become a properly equipped venue for our weekly cinema events.
“A new art gallery will overlook the beauty of the Sensory Garden, and the Park View Room will have a sprung floor installed to make it an ideal space for dance, as well as the perfect place to practice Yoga, Pilates and many other activities.”
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