Herefordshire Council has secured £1 million in funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, to redevelop Hereford's Museum and Art Gallery into one of the most energy-efficient heritage public buildings in the UK.

The funding will be used to install a low carbon heating system, enhanced ventilation, and high-performance insulation at the site, all aimed at drastically improving the building's energy performance. The upgrades will enable the museum to become the first in the UK to be renovated to EnerPHit standards — the top international benchmark for energy-efficient retrofits — potentially delivering energy cost savings of up to 90%.

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The grant helps to address the financial challenge posed by the higher upfront cost of low carbon technologies compared to fossil fuel systems, by directly supporting their implementation in public buildings.

Councillor Harry Bramer, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Assets, said: "This is wonderful news and a giant step forward in our plans to ensure that Hereford’s new Museum and Art Gallery is not only a vibrant and exciting space for visitors but also meets the highest standards in terms of energy efficiency."

With Vinci Building recently appointed as the main contractor, the project is already making strong progress. The new museum and art gallery is on track to open to the public in 2027, delivering not only a cultural hub but also a flagship for environmental innovation in the heritage sector.