Community Energy Fund Supports Restoration of Hydro Building near Chester Weir

The project to re-develop the old Hydro Electric power station near Chester Weir and the Old Dee Bridge has taken a step forward following the award of a grant from the Community Energy Fund (CEF).

The £40K grant will enable a feasibility study of power generation options whilst complying with the latest environmental standards for fish friendly operation.

The project has been developed by two local volunteer community organisations; CHASE (Cheshire Heritage and Sustainability Enterprises) and CHBPT (Cheshire Historic Buildings Preservation Trust).

Previous grants from Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund have enabled the development of potential building designs and operational business plans. Power generation is the final piece of the jigsaw. The primary purpose of the project is to use the building as a careers and education centre on Net Zero jobs and our net zero future.

The region round Chester has been chosen by the Government to lead the UK in decarbonising industry and many thousands of well-paid local jobs will be created.

This old derelict building was one of the first Hydro Electric power stations in the UK, built in 1914. It sits on Chester Weir, a scheduled ancient monument built by the Norman invaders in 1093 to provide clean water power to the mills that were built at both ends of the Weir.

Dr Niall Macfadyen, Chair of CHASE, said; “In the Middle Ages, Chester Weir was a major UK ‘Net Zero industrial cluster’ as we say now, so it is very appropriate for the Hydro building to be used to inform everyone about the history of net zero industry where it all started and talk about the future net zero cluster that will be built nearby centred in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The site and the river are highly protected (the river is a designated site of special scientific interest) and there are many environmental regulations that must be complied with for the building to be re-developed, however initial proposals put to the Environment agency and the Council planning department have received a positive response.”

He added; "I am very pleased that the project has made a significant step forward with the award of a CEF grant. Meeting Ed Milliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, he suggested we should also look at using heat pumps to extract heat from the river to heat local buildings.  We have now added this in the project.  The University of Chester has expressed interest in using both the electricity and heat generated by the Hydro Building for the University’s Wheeler Building nearby.  We can quadruple the energy we produce by using electric heat pumps to raise the temperature to a suitable level for heating buildings and there is more water in the river in the winter, when heat is needed!"

Talking about the museum element of the Hydro Building’s restoration, Niall added; “Visitors to the centre will experience live, virtual reality and hands on demonstrations of many of the new technologies that we will use in our everyday lives as the country moves towards its net zero goal.”

Tony Barton, Conservation Architect and Chair of Cheshire Historic Buildings Preservation Trust (CHBPT) which is also supporting the restoration of the Hydro Building, said; “The CHBPT is committed to finding sustainable new lives for our rich and varied heritage. The Hydro is a Listed building, hidden in plain sight and we will seek creative and sympathetic ways of opening it up for Chester’s citizens and visitors.”

He added; “This grade 2 listed building is one of the most protected in Chester, due of its location and history. Despite the complications this brings, the site is key to the development of the Chester Waterfront, linking the Castle, the Hydro and the Groves. Designs envisage the building being used for hospitality as well as education and power generation. We will undertake further community consultation as the feasibility study progresses."

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor, University of Chester said; “We are excited to be involved in the Hydro Hub project, connecting the city’s history with the region’s urgent transition to a low carbon future through the repurposing of an historic site. It presents a unique opportunity for the development of innovative, interactive visitor attractions and educational tools to benefit both our community and visitors to the city.”

Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston said; “For Chester, a city proud of its heritage, the Hydro project will bring a historic building back into use for education, energy generation and, as a new attraction, it will boost jobs in Chester’s visitor economy.”

Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Eddisbury said; “The Chester Weir, Old Dee Bridge and the water powered industries that operated there are important Heritage assets for the City of Chester with a history dating back to the 11th Century.  I look forward to seeing the proposals from CHASE and the CHBPT come to fruition, following further public consultation, so we can bring the old Hydro Electric power station building back into use for the benefit of the public, to tell the stories of how the Weir shaped the history of Chester and Cheshire and how clean energy will also shape our future.”

CHASE is looking for volunteers to get involved.  Specifically, help with administration of the project and bookkeeping. Please get in touch or forward this information to anyone who might be interested.  Contact CHASE at hydrohubchester@gmail.com If readers would like to be kept informed on project progress please register at https://hydro-hub.uk/contact-us/