An award-winning business centre in Jaywick Sands is taking a step towards a more sustainable future with the installation of new solar panels.

Work to fit the panels at the Tendring District Council-run Sunspot is set to begin over the next few days and will soon require scaffolding to be placed around the building for approximately six weeks.

Businesses will be able to continue trading as usual during this period, and customers and visitors are encouraged to keep supporting them.

The solar panels are forecast to generate savings on electricity bills

Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Tourism and Economic Growth, said: “Sunspot has been a huge success story since it opened, and this project will make the building a more sustainable place to work and visit.

“Businesses will be able to stay open as usual during the works, so I’d encourage everyone to continue supporting them during the installation.”

By generating some of its electricity on-site rather than relying solely on grid power, the building’s carbon emissions are expected to reduce by around 15 tonnes a year – equivalent to the emissions produced by driving approximately 50,000 miles in a petrol car.

Following a competitive tender process, Pyramid Eco has been appointed by the council to carry out the works. They are also a tenant at Sunspot.

Founded in 2011 by Michael Zohouri, Pyramid Eco delivers retrofit projects across London and the South East, but have their head office proudly based in Jaywick Sands.

Michael said: “My team and I care deeply about this community and we are looking forward to helping the council with these improvements to Sunspot.

“I am confident our local knowledge and expertise in retrofit will ensure this project runs smoothly.

“We will be working hard to ensure disruption to businesses is kept to a minimum.”

Roof maintenance, to be carried out by another contractor, will also take place during this period.

The solar panel project is being funded through the Community Regeneration Partnership, a £20 million investment programme from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, delivered locally by the council.

For more information on government-funded projects in the district, visit https://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/government-funded-projects.

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