Summary- Uplands Playgroup in Gloucestershire has undergone an energy-efficient renovation.
After two years of fundraising, the energy-efficient refurbishment of Uplands Playgroup in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been completed.
For the past 45 years, the playgroup has been situated in the old Elliot building in the grounds of Uplands Primary School on Thompson Road, but was in desperate need of a facelift, the Stroud News and Journal reports.
In order to fund the refurbishment, the committee launched a fundraising campaign in 2012 and managed to raise£38,000. In May of this year, work to transform the playgroup began.
Because it would be too costly to demolish the existing building and construct a brand new one from scratch, the committee decided to revamp its current features to turn it into a better learning environment for children.
As well as a new entrance and windows, a range of eco-friendly measures have been fitted into the new playgroup, including a floor made of recycled materials, and fully insulated roofing and walls.
Installing insulation into the building is extremely beneficial for the children, as it prevents heat from escaping – ensuring they are kept warm when they attend playgroup sessions during the winter months. Not only this, but it reduces the risk of condensation, damp and draught forming, which if found to be present, would incur extra costs to repair.
Another advantage of roof and wall insulation is that it is highly cost-effective and will contribute to a significant reduction in the price of energy bills. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a building fitted with solid wall insulation can account for an annual saving of up to £460.
The grand opening of the newly refurbished playgroup took place earlier this week and welcomed committee members, parents, builders and local residents, who had all shown their support throughout the fundraising and building process.
So what’s next for Uplands Playgroup? Debbi Scobell, play leader, said: “We will still be continuing with our fundraising as there is still work to be done to the outside area, which we hope one day will include a canopy.”