From theatre audiences to fitness fans, community groups to families, people are already feeling the benefit of a major programme to make three venues in the town greener, warmer and more welcoming...
With sustainability upgrades complete at Harebreaks Community Hub and Orbital Community Centre, and the majority of improvements at Watford Palace Theatre finished, the town is seeing first-hand how investment in sustainability is improving everyday spaces. The work is part of Watford Borough Council’s drive to become a carbon neutral town by 2030.
At the Palace Theatre, the decarbonisation programme has gone hand-in-hand with wider improvements that have transformed the venue. Alongside a potential 75% reduction in carbon emissions, saving nearly 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ over the next 20 years, the works have supported the creation of five new purpose-built spaces.
This includes the 1908 Cabaret, two flexible studio spaces, and the Watford Palace Workshop, a hands-on hub for building, making and experimenting supported by Watford Borough Council. The theatre’s front-of-house areas have also been enhanced and the main house lovingly restored, ensuring the Palace continues to thrive as both a cultural landmark and a sustainable community space.
Photocaption: Watford Palace Theatre improvements
Harebreaks Community Hub remains a lively home for local activity and will be operating from a greener and more efficient building. The upgrades, which are estimated to cut emissions by around 90% and save close to 800 tonnes of CO₂ over the next 20 years, mean groups such as Zumba Gold, Watford Deaf Club, The Dan Tien performing arts school and others can continue to use the hub in a space that is more sustainable, affordable and comfortable.
Orbital Community Centre will reduce emissions by more than 80% and save around 450 tonnes of CO₂ over 20 years. Already a vibrant meeting place, it hosts a preschool, dance, drama and fitness classes, and a wide range of sessions including those run by U3A for people over 50, who use the space to learn new skills and pursue hobbies in a welcoming environment.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “These works show how investing in sustainability benefits everyone. We’re cutting our carbon emissions and energy bills, while making sure our community venues are warmer, more welcoming and ready for the future. The Palace Theatre, Harebreaks and Orbital are at the heart of life in Watford, and these upgrades mean they can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Steve Marmion, CEO and Director of Programming, said: “This work has been transformative for the Palace. As well as cutting our carbon emissions, it has allowed us to create new spaces for performance, rehearsal and community use. These improvements protect the future of our theatre, making it greener, more welcoming and better equipped to serve audiences and artists long into the future.”
Photocaption: Chief executive Steve Marmion and executive director Jamie Arden with Elected Mayor Peter Taylor
Amy Willcox-Smith, Assistant Director of Customers and Communities for Watford Community Housing, said: “The upgrades at Harebreaks Community Hub mean the building is not only greener and more efficient, but also more comfortable and affordable to run.
“This is a huge benefit for the many local groups who use our hub every week, from fitness classes to community clubs, and it helps to ensure that the Harebreaks Hub remains a key community space in Watford for years to come.”
Photocaption: Dan Tien Studios
Tom Cavalot, Associate Director - Impact & Income Generation at One YMCA, said: “Orbital has always been a lively hub for local people, with everything from preschool and dance to fitness and U3A classes. The sustainability upgrades will make the centre more comfortable for everyone, helping us to keep offering such a wide range of activities to the community well into the future.”
