Helping a landmark community arts venue reduce its carbon footprint

Client: Manchester City Council

Conlon Construction delivered a major decarbonisation and refurbishment programme at Z-arts, one of Manchester’s leading arts and cultural venues for children, young people and families.

Delivered on behalf of Manchester City Council, the project forms part of the city’s wider ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, helping futureproof an important community asset while significantly improving its environmental performance.

The Challenge

Operating from a Victorian building, Z-arts required significant upgrades to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and enhance long-term building performance.

The project needed to address the condition of the existing building fabric while incorporating modern renewable energy technologies capable of supporting the venue’s future sustainability goals.

Our Solution

Conlon delivered a comprehensive package of refurbishment and decarbonisation works, including:

• Renewal of flat and pitched roof coverings
• Replacement of rooflights
• Refurbishment of existing air handling units
• Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting throughout
• Air source heat pump installation
• Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
• Building fabric improvements to enhance thermal performance and weatherproofing

The Outcome

The completed project has significantly improved the energy efficiency and environmental performance of the venue, helping reduce operational carbon emissions while extending the lifespan of a much-loved community facility.

As part of Manchester City Council’s wider decarbonisation programme, the scheme demonstrates how historic buildings can be adapted to meet modern sustainability standards while continuing to serve local communities for generations to come.