Replacement of an Aged Gas Boiler with an Electric Boiler, The Parochial Church Council of St Andrew’s Church, Colne Engaine

This project is for the installation of a new boiler with 3-phase supply, churchyard trenching, and relevant gas and electric works at St Andrew’s Church.

The church building is Grade I listed, and originated around 1100 AD. The nave and chancel are constructed of flint with rubble (probably Roman) infill, whilst the tower, dating from 1500’s, is of Tudor brick over a lower flint construction. It was extensively refurbished in 1873-75.

The current gas boiler was installed in 1979. It now has a leak in the cast iron shell. Aligned with carbon neutral targets it is proposed to install an electric boiler as a replacement for the current unit. This will require the provision of a three-phase electric supply to the church, to replace the current single phase supply, a new main consumer unit, and additional plumbing work to accommodate the heat exchanger required to interface the new boiler with the existing radiator system.

A reliable and efficient heating system will allow the PCC to offer the church as a meeting place and event venue for the village. The only other public facility, the Courtauld Memorial Village Hall, has a capacity limit of 70 and is already fully utilised during the week. The church is more suited to such events as concerts and consultations. The PCC will be able to offer a wider variety of support activities when it is a properly heated, such as a well-being support group, games nights and discussion groups.