Burwell Community Sports Centre Awarded Grant to Become Village’s First Net-Zero Hub and Green Energy Pioneer

​

Burwell, Cambridge – [25/07/2025] — Burwell Community Sports Centre (BCSC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a transformative grant from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Climate Change Opportunity Fund. This funding, totaling £148,500, will support a pioneering green retrofit project that will make BCSC the first net-zero community building in Burwell.

​

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said “I’m delighted that this Combined Authority grant will strengthen community resilience, especially by supporting vulnerable residents during extreme weather conditions. It’s also a fantastic boost for a valued community hub, helping reduce energy costs and ensuring it remains a vibrant, accessible space for activities enjoyed by everyone across Burwell.”

​

The award marks a major milestone in the Centre’s commitment to sustainability, community well-being, and innovation. With this funding, BCSC will:

​

• Eliminate its carbon footprint

• Install solar PV panels, air source heat pumps, and EV chargers

• Create Burwell’s first public EV charging points

• Provide a ‘climate refuge’ for vulnerable residents during extreme weather

• Educate the public on green technologies with a live energy display

• Share its success and learnings with other village institutions

• ​

“This project isn’t just about cutting carbon—it’s about leading by example, educating a more sustainable future for Burwell and powering a healthier community” said Ben Hyde, Burwell Community Sports Centre Manager. “We are incredibly grateful to the CPCA for believing in our vision.”

​

Quentin Cooke, Chair of the Centre’s committee, added: “This grant is a game changer for the Centre and our community. Not only will we be playing our part for the environment, but it will make a huge difference to our finances. We will be able to open more often, introduce new offerings by way of sports and activities, as well as refurbish and maintain the building and its facilities. We have a bright future!”

​

Once complete, BCSC will serve as a beacon of sustainability—demonstrating what’s possible when local action meets strategic investment.​