Stage one of the renovations of Brightwater Hall is underway.
The first phase of the project is strengthening and reroofing the building, to prepare for the installation of new solar power panels.
A huge community effort got the hall built in the 1960s, but it now needs work to bring it up to scratch.
The solar and associated battery systems are co-funded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which has identified 10 community facilities across the region for installations.
The project is part of a nationwide programme administered by EECA under the Community Renewable Energy Fund, which supports renewable energy systems to strengthen community resilience.
The solar power systems will provide backup power during emergencies and enhance the resilience of sites like the Brightwater Hall, which serves primarily as a community facility during Civil Defence emergencies.
Our contractor, Scott Construction, says that while a re-roof may seem straightforward on paper, this project presented some unique challenges.
One of the biggest jobs was the installation of a full temporary weatherproof enclosure over the building. This allowed work to continue while protecting the hall and ensuring the project could be delivered safely and efficiently.
The next phase of the Brightwater Hall renovations includes upgrades to the floors, kitchen, toilet facilities, and things like lighting, which will be done once funding can be secured, which is hoped to be in the next financial year.