Friends of Castle Green (FoCG) are now able to begin the much needed renovations to The Pavilion thanks to significant funding from Hereford City Council and Herefordshire Council.

The funding will enable the community group to begin the first phase of improvements to the building, which was asset transferred to them by Herefordshire Council in 2018. Work has now begun to install a renewable energy heating system at the Pavilion, using the River Wye as its source. By harnessing this renewable energy source, over 15 tonnes of carbon per year will be saved; a giant step toward carbon reduction and a huge money saving exercise.

Funding has been received from the government’s Towns Fund programme and Marches Renewable Energy Trust via Herefordshire Council, as well as Hereford City Council, allowing FoCG to replace the existing gas boiler and install this modern, renewable river source system, the first of its kind in Hereford City Centre.

According to Paddy Nugent, Friends of Castle Green Director; “This is an incredibly exciting project and we are grateful for the funding that has allowed us to make these building improvements which will ensure that the Pavilion becomes a multifunctional, flexible and accessible space for evolving community use. We hope that this technology will act as a beacon of innovation and encourage other local facilities to harness the natural resource of the river for renewable energy.”

Friends of Castle Green has also been included by the Hereford Towns Fund Board in their Town Investment Plan funding bid submission to receive up to £25m from the Towns Fund programme. This initiative aims to revitalise and regenerate the City through investment in a number of projects meeting a strict criteria. Friends of Castle Green has applied for funds to further renovate and regenerate the Pavilion building. The extensive community consultation carried out in 2018 highlighted a significant need for improved facilities and this funding will allow FoCG to carry out proposed requirements to further the Pavilion as a building for the whole community.