Issue - meetings

Members heard from the Section 151 Officer who presented a report seeking approval for the replacement of the Guildhall's existing boiler system, which had exceeded its expected operational lifespan and was becoming increasingly unreliable and costly to maintain.

Members were advised that two options had been considered. Option One, the recommended option, proposed a like for like replacement with modern high efficiency gas boilers together with upgrades to the existing rooftop photovoltaic array. Option Two proposed the installation of a hybrid heating system incorporating air source heat pumps alongside gas boilers and upgrades to the photovoltaic array. It was noted that whilst Option Two would provide greater carbon reduction benefits, it would involve higher capital costs and greater technical complexity.

During the debate, Members expressed support for the officer recommendation and acknowledged the work undertaken to evaluate the available options. Reference was made to the financial and operational advantages of Option One and its lower delivery risk when compared with the alternative proposal.

With no further comments or indications to speak, and having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote. It was

RESOLVED that

a)    the drawdown of £145k including contingency (Recommended option 1) for gas for gas replacement of the existing boilers alongside additionally replacing and upgrading the existing rooftop photovoltaic array, be approved, with the drawdown to be funded as £70k Maintenance of Facilities reserve for the boiler replacement and £75k from the Climate Change Reserve; and

b)    an amendment to the capital programme for 2026/27 to create a new capital scheme for ‘Guildhall Boiler Replacement’ with a total scheme cost of £145k be approved.