The Cheviot Centre in Wooler, a historic building that was once a Victorian workhouse, has recently received a significant upgrade to ensure its ongoing service to the local community during power outages. Home to The Glendale Gateway Trust, the centre also houses vital public services, including the police station, library, and Newcastle Building Society, alongside various offices and community spaces for events, conferences, and workshops.
To improve its resilience against power interruptions, a bid was submitted to the Northern Powergrid Foundation for funding, resulting in the arrival of a new generator. The £20,000 grant will help the centre remain operational during electricity disruptions, offering support to local services and residents in times of need.
Karen Froggatt, CEO of The Glendale Gateway Trust, expressed her satisfaction with the new development, saying, “In partnership with Wooler Parish Council, we’ve taken a significant step towards enhancing our role as an emergency response hub. The generator complements our existing solar panels and battery storage, allowing us to support the full capacity of the centre during power cuts.”
Froggatt highlighted that the centre’s previous equipment lacked the necessary capacity to support the entire building. However, with the addition of the new generator, the centre can now provide reliable power for community services and ensure that the facility remains open during outages.
“The Cheviot Centre has always been a place for the community to gather, but we can’t do this alone,” Froggatt added. “We’re incredibly grateful for the funding that will help strengthen our resilience and ensure that we can continue serving the needs of Wooler residents.”
Jodie Coe, a trustee of the Northern Powergrid Foundation, praised the installation as a vital step towards energy resilience. “It’s fantastic to see the Cheviot Centre upgrade,” Coe said. “The new generator will ensure that this community hub remains operational during power interruptions and will provide a safe space for local activities and emergencies.”
The Northern Powergrid Foundation is set to reopen its grant applications in 2025, continuing its support for community-based energy resilience projects across the region.
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