Heat Pump Decarbonisation Programme
Leeds City Council
Contract Overview
Axis is delivering air source and water source heat pump installations across eleven Leeds City Council sites as part of the authority’s carbonreduction strategy. Works include the replacement of outdated systems and installation of associated infrastructure, funded through phases 3b and 3c of the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
The programme is an example of Axis’ capability to deliver funded decarbonisation works at scale, following our appointment via the PfH Decarbonisation & Retrofit framework.
Axis assumed delivery after a previous contractor went into administration, and has built a strong and collaborative relationship with the client through this programme.
Benefits
• Supports Leeds City Council’s carbon-reduction goals across multiple sites
• Helps reduce heating and electrical costs for the local authority and its services
• Improves heating performance within buildings
• Enables Leeds City Council to remotely monitor energy consumption and the savings achieved through the programme
• Provides sustainable, modern heating systems that replace outdated equipment
• Reduces operational costs for council services, including museums and schools
Specifications
• Installation and handover of ASHP and WSHP across 11 sites
• Associated works including BMS systems, plant room works, substations, insulation and solar PV
• Funded by Salix PSDS Phase 3b and Phase 3c
• Procured via the PfH Decarbonisation & Retrofit framework
£8.5m+ value
2025-2027 duration Contact
Temple Newsam Courtyard
About the Building
Temple Newsam Courtyard forms part of a Grade I listed heritage site built around 1500–1520. The project continues the upgrade and replacement of older equipment already carried out at Temple Newsam House by Axis. The site was selected to modernise its heating infrastructure with low-carbon technology.
Specification
• Installation of two ASHPs
• Underground pipework to the plant room
• Plant room works including ductwork, cabling, buffer tanks, water source heat pump, new BMS system and plate heat exchanger
• Construction of ASHP compound
• Electrical infrastructure works
• BMS alterations and new BMS panel
• Small power and lighting in the compound
Challenges
The site experiences significant footfall and public activity, including events and the operation of a working farm and college. This required a carefully phased approach to minimise disruption and maintain access. As a heritage environment, routes for pipework and ducting were restricted and required close collaboration with conservation teams and the client.
value 14 Weeks duration
Brudenell Primary School
Minimising Disruption and Safeguarding
Works took place during term time on a fully operational school site. The programme required close coordination with the school leadership, business manager, project managers and contractors to ensure teaching and daily activity continued unaffected. Safeguarding arrangements were in place to manage the presence of pupils and staff, and the programme extended beyond the initial active works period to accommodate the school’s needs and avoid disruption.
Specification
• Civils, electrical and plumbing works for the ASHP compound
• Trenching to connect the compound to the plant room
• Removal of boilers and installation of ASHPs
• New pipework throughout the building
• External pipewor
• Cable ducts and underground services
• Construction of a new fire-rated electrical room
• Electrical infrastructure works
• BMS alterations and new BMS panel
• Small power and lighting in the compound
• Pumps, pipework, buffer vessels and plate heat exchanger
• Full radiator strip-out and replacement
Challenges
The requirement to maintain full school operations extended the schedule beyond the core construction period. All works had to be planned around staff availability, pupil movement and the need for constant safeguarding, requiring detailed communication and flexible programming.
value 16 Weeks duration
