Liverpool's historic Cunard Building to run on low carbon heat as City Council cuts emissions

WORK is now well under way to expand the Mersey Heat District Heat Network to Liverpool's historic Cunard Building, marking a major step forward in the City Council's plans to cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and secure a more resilient energy future for the City.

Following earlier announcements made in 2026, Liverpool City Council has now moved into the delivery phase of the project, with detailed designs completed and enabling works progressing to allow the landmark waterfront building to switch from gas fired boilers to a low carbon heat supply.

On Tuesday, Cabinet will be asked to approve funding for the next stage of design and works for the project. This includes:- alterations to the buildings heating system to make it compatible with the district heat network, allow removal of the gas boilers and the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity to offset increasing energy costs. The Cunard Building is 1 of the Council's biggest carbon emitting properties. Connecting it to the district heat network is a key step towards meeting the Council's Net 0 by 2030 commitment, reducing the Council's emissions by over:- 330 T CO2e per year. As well as reducing carbon emissions, the project is expected to improve air quality, reduce exposure to volatile energy prices and support the development of heat networks across the City.

It also demonstrates a practical approach to decarbonising large, heritage buildings; providing a blueprint for similar buildings across the City and throughout the UK. In addition to the heat network connection, the project will deliver energy efficiency improvements such as:- the installation of solar panels on the roof of the building, subject to a structural survey, helping to manage ongoing energy costs and strengthen resilience against volatile global energy markets. The scheme forms part of Liverpool's wider approach to:- sustainable infrastructure, decarbonisation and clean growth. As 1 of a number of key cities nationally participating in the Government's heat network zoning pilot, Liverpool is helping to shape how low carbon heat networks can be rolled out at pace in dense urban areas, supporting energy security while cutting emissions and improving air quality.

Once complete, the Cunard Building will operate entirely on reliable low carbon heat from the district network, alongside on site renewable generation, helping to stabilise energy costs over the long term while delivering improvements on air quality. The project is supported through a combination of Council investment and Government funding and forms part of a growing network of low carbon energy infrastructure.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- "Connecting the Cunard Building to the Mersey Heat network is a powerful demonstration of how Liverpool is taking practical, ambitious action to secure a cleaner and more resilient energy future. This project protects 1 of our most important historic buildings while significantly reducing its carbon footprint, cutting air pollution and reducing exposure to volatile gas prices. It shows how we can future proof our City, support climate action and lead by example."

130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries to receive funding boost that will improve access to arts and culture across the country

130 cultural venues, local museums and libraries are set to benefit from a:- �127.8 million funding boost, helping to ensure that everyone can access arts and culture in the places they call home.

Venues ranging from The Lowry Centre in:- Salford, The Hexagon in Reading and the Royal Shakespeare Company, in Warwickshire will receive a much needed cash boost to help open up access to facilities, complete much needed building projects and upgrade technology on site.

The 130 organisations receiving funding with the 1st projects receiving cash from the Government's Arts Everywhere Fund. As the cost of living continues to affect families across Britain, funding for these venues will help provide welcoming, affordable spaces for communities to visit, come together and celebrate what makes their local area special.

Earlier this year (2026), the Culture Secretary committed up to:- �1.5 billion to the cultural sector over this parliament, with the Arts Everywhere Fund aiming to save more than 1,000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England. Today's �127.8 million is made up of 3 funds:-

The Creative Foundations Fund (cff) has allocated:- �96 million to 74 arts and cultural venues to help theatres, performing arts venues, galleries and grassroots music venues address urgent infrastructure needs. In this round, organisations such as Theatre Royal Stratford East in London have secured �1,750,000 funding to upgrade its building and essential systems, ensuring the theatre remains safe, accessible and welcoming for local people.

The Museum Estate and Development Fund (mend) has allocated a share of:- �25.5 million to support 28 local museums to undertake vital infrastructure works, and improve the visitor experience. In this round, organisations such as Black Country Living Museum in Dudley have been awarded �454,159 to safeguard key historic buildings, ensuring they remain safe and open for visitors while preserving the Region's unique heritage. In total the fund has supported 122 local museums over the past 4 years.

The Libraries Improvement Fund (lif) has allocated a share of:- �6.3 million to 28 library services to help upgrade buildings and technology to better meet the needs of the community. The fund has already supported 95 projects across England over 5 years and this round will support organisations such as Derbyshire Libraries which will use �440,000 to refurbish 3 sites to create more welcoming, flexible spaces for community use, including:- bookable rooms and areas for local activities. It is hoped that these improvements will encourage more visits from children and families, support community engagement and ensure the libraries remain sustainable and well-used for years to come.

To mark the announcement, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy visited The Lowry Centre Trust in Salford, which has been awarded �8.5 million to upgrade critical infrastructure. This funding will improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and secure the building's future. The project includes:- replacing escalators with new lifts, providing step free access to galleries and opening up more of the building. Visitors will benefit from improved access to galleries, theatres, family and conference spaces, along with enhanced caf� and retail facilities, creating a more inclusive and welcoming experience.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:- "Across the country, people take real pride in where they come from. Our local arts, museums and libraries are a big part of that, telling our stories, reflecting who we are, and bringing communities together. That's why our Arts Everywhere Fund matters. We're backing the places people care about most, with support for 130 venues across the country announced today. Arts and culture aren't a luxury for a privileged few. They are for everyone, everywhere . They bring people together, open doors, and support our shared sense of belonging. That's the role they can play as we build a stronger future for our country."

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Liverpool's historic Cunard Building to run on low carbon heat as City Council cuts emissions

130 cultural venues, museums, and libraries to receive funding boost that will improve access to arts and culture across the country