Great Lumley Parish Council: Building Community Resilience Through Renewable Energy

 

When Great Lumley Parish Council took ownership of the village's community centre, they inherited a much-loved facility that required significant investment to meet the needs of local residents. Through a wider £1 million regeneration programme, the council transformed the building into a modern, accessible community hub. However, budget pressures meant plans for renewable energy and energy resilience measures were at risk of being left behind. 

A £20,000 grant from the Northern Powergrid Foundation enabled the Parish Council to install a solar photovoltaic system and battery storage solution, helping secure the long-term sustainability of the centre while strengthening its role as a community resilience hub. 

Battery storage system and inverter installed at Great Lumley Community Centre as part of a renewable energy project funded by the Northern Powergrid Foundation.The Project

The funding contributed towards a £25,000 renewable energy project involving the installation of:

  • 34 x 525W solar panels
  • 28.5kW battery storage capacity

Installed in spring 2026, the system now generates renewable electricity for the community centre while storing energy for future use, reducing reliance on the grid and lowering ongoing operating costs. 

Supporting Residents When They Need It Most

Great Lumley Community Centre is the only community facility within the village and serves a wide range of residents throughout the year. The centre offers activities, events, community groups and services, acting as a focal point for local people. 

The new renewable energy system has strengthened the centre's ability to support residents during emergencies and periods of disruption, including severe weather events and power outages. The Parish Council highlighted the importance of having a safe, warm and accessible location where people can access information, support and practical assistance when normal services are affected. 

This is particularly valuable for older residents, vulnerable people and those most likely to be impacted by adverse weather or interruptions to essential services. 

Creating Long-Term Community BenefitsGreat Lumley Community Centre, a modern community hub providing activities, services and emergency support for local residents.

Alongside improving emergency preparedness, the solar and battery installation is delivering day-to-day benefits for the wider community.

Reduced energy costs have helped the Parish Council maintain affordable hire rates for local groups, businesses and organisations using the centre. Savings generated by the system support the ongoing operation of the facility, ensuring it remains accessible and welcoming for residents. 

The Parish Council reported that the project has made "a significant impact on costs", helping them continue to provide both affordable community space and an emergency hub when needed. 

Community Response

The refurbished community centre has been warmly welcomed by local residents since reopening.

According to the Parish Council:

"Everyone seems to be delighted with the wider community centre project which re-opened in January. This solar/battery project has made a significant impact on costs which has made a huge difference to our ability to provide both affordable hire rates and an emergency hub when needed." 

Lasting Impact

The project has given Great Lumley a stronger, more resilient community asset that will continue delivering benefits for years to come.

 

"The Northern Powergrid Foundation's support allowed us to complete a vital part of our community centre regeneration that would otherwise have been difficult to achieve. The solar panels and battery storage are already reducing our operating costs, helping us keep the centre affordable for local groups and residents. Just as importantly, they strengthen our ability to support the community during severe weather and power outages, ensuring we have a safe, welcoming place people can turn to when they need it most. This investment will benefit Great Lumley residents for many years to come."

Ian Heaviside, Parish Clerk, Great Lumley Parish Council

By combining renewable energy generation with battery storage, the centre is now better equipped to support residents during emergencies while reducing environmental impact and operating costs. The Parish Council described the investment as creating a lasting legacy that has helped make the community "better prepared, more self-reliant and more resilient."