Refurbishment projects delivers savings for West Suffolk taxpayers as well as carbon reductions

11 Mar 2026

During the past 12 months, West Suffolk Council has completed refurbishments across multiple operational sites, significantly improving building energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

The projects focused on upgrading existing structures rather than demolishing and rebuilding, to meet both environmental standards and to upgrade facilities for the local community, as well as saving money for taxpayers and tenants.

Work took place at the beginning of 2026 to upgrade the public toilets in the Abbey Gardens, with the replacement of gas services, predicted to save 5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. As well as the internal fittings being changed, the work also included replacing the existing toilets and installing a Changing Places facility, designed specifically for those who need extra space and the help of a carer.

Key work undertaken at the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds included the structural investigation of the ballroom and replacement of the floor, with added insulation to make the building more energy efficient, as well as the refurbishment of the important historic chandeliers.

The first phase of The Apex’s decarbonisation was completed in the summer of 2025, with the removal and replacement of gas services such as hot water heating, commercial gas ovens and extraction units, with electric alternatives. Internal work was also carried out to improve the building’s efficiency, with measures such as light-emitting diode (LED) upgrades and installing independently controllable electric heating and cooling in the office and studio. As a result, the building is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually and reduce its energy consumption by 840,000 kilowatt-hour (kWh) per year.

Commercial industrial units have also been upgraded to extend the life of buildings, meet regulations, remove hazardous material such as asbestos and generate income.

An industrial unit located on Eastern Way in Bury St Edmunds had its asbestos cement roof replaced with a new, insulated roof with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This, alongside the complete internal refurbishment, raised the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) from D to B.

Due to the property being recovered in an unlettable condition, an industrial unit on Hollands Road in Haverhill had internal and external refurbishment works carried out between March and December 2025. The work included insulation and fire safety upgrades, asbestos removal, factory space and office refurbishment, as well as new roofing and cladding.

Cllr Gerald Kelly, Cabinet Member for Governance, Regulatory and Environment at West Suffolk Council, said: “Retrofitting existing buildings is one of the most effective ways to cut carbon responsibly. By upgrading rather than rebuilding, we reduce operational emissions whilst extending the life of the building, and this supports our wider net zero ambition through sustainable growth. Importantly, it makes buildings cheaper to run as less carbon means lower bills.

“We would never be complacent about our performance, or underestimate how much there is still to do. But the council’s continued efforts to decarbonise its buildings led to West Suffolk Council being named the top performing district council in the buildings and heating category of the environmental scorecard issued by Climate Emergency UK in 2025.”

Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Suffolk Council, said: “By reusing existing structures and improving energy efficiency, we protect valuable building resources that benefit building occupants, the wider community and taxpayers.

“These projects are just a few examples of our commitment to invest taxpayers’ money effectively in low-carbon refurbishment, with further plans already in development as we continue to support our businesses and communities in reducing emissions across existing building portfolios.”

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