The council is pushing forward with its ambitious plans to become a carbon neutral town by 2030, with major sustainability works about to get underway at three community venues...
This includes Watford Palace Theatre, Orbital Community Centre, and Harebreaks Community Hub.
The upgrades – backed by £892k funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme – will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of each building, cutting energy use, removing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting the council’s wider climate goals.
At Watford Palace Theatre, essential upgrades include replacing gas boilers and chillers with modern, energy-efficient air source heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. The building will also gain loft insulation, heat recovery in the ventilation system, and upgraded radiators and coils to work efficiently at lower temperatures.
These improvements will cut the theatre’s carbon emissions by around 75%, saving nearly 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ over 20 years. To allow the work to proceed safely, the theatre will take a summer interval, pausing performances before returning in September 2025.
The Orbital Community Centre will also replace its gas heating with air source heat pumps. Cavity wall insulation and radiator upgrades will further boost energy efficiency. The changes will reduce emissions by over 80%, saving around 450 tonnes of CO₂ over 20 years.
At Harebreaks Community Hub, gas boilers will be replaced with air source heat pumps, water will be heated by the heat pump, and the building will benefit from new wall, loft, and window insulation. These works are set to cut emissions by around 90%, saving close to 800 tonnes of CO₂ over 20 years.
These projects follow a series of successful energy efficiency upgrades across the town, including installations at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside, Fullerians Rugby Club, the Town Hall, and Watford Colosseum.
Photocaption: Collage of photos include solar panels at Watford Leisure Centre – Woodside and the Town Hall, alongside Watford Palace Theatre and Harebreaks Community Hub
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “These upgrades mark another major step forward in our journey to becoming a more sustainable town. They will reduce energy bills for our community buildings, while also benefiting our environment. It’s important that Watford plays its part in reducing energy bills and caring for our planet.”
Steve Marmion, CEO and Director of Programming, said: ““We are absolutely delighted to be investing in this iconic and much-loved cultural landmark — a true jewel in Watford’s crown. This decarbonisation work may not be the most visible or glamorous aspect of what we do, but it is one of the most vital. Ensuring Watford Palace Theatre has a sustainable, energy-efficient future is not just about preserving a building — it’s about protecting the creative heart of our community. We’re proud to play a part in securing the Palace’s future for generations to come.”
Amy Willcox-Smith, Assistant Director of Customers and Communities for Watford Community Housing, said: “We are very pleased that the council chose the Harebreaks Community Hub to receive energy efficiency upgrades, which will benefit both the environment and long-term sustainability of our hub.
“As a key community space in Watford, we are proud to be supporting Watford's broader sustainability strategy and doing our bit for the community's environmental footprint.”
The upgrades will be carried out in phases through late 2025 and into early 2026, with the council working closely with community partners to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure smooth delivery.
