Flagship projects

The Hackney Empire

Iconic theatre the Hackney Empire celebrated a major anniversary in 2022. And in the summer of 2023, at the grand old age of 120, we crowned this local institution with a full array of solar panels - a perfect marriage of old and new. Sitting directly above the stage, the panels mean the Empire’s productions will now be solar-powered and we couldn’t be happier to have worked with them to make this a reality.

Image credit: Henny Beaumont

The Leaside Trust

Also in Summer 2023, we completed a full fit-out of canalside watersports and community hub the Leaside Trust.

The centre now has a full roof of solar panels, an air source heat pump and a new, insulated classroom for eco-education. That means a huge chunk of its power is sorted by the sun - and centre users can all benefit.

We’re particularly proud of this project because it came at an incredibly challenging time for the Leaside Trust. With energy bills set to rise by around 80%, the future of the club was in question. But the fit-out has kept bills stable and means the team can continue to provide education, recreation and community connection for the heaps of people who come through the doors each month.

So much of outdoor pursuits is about the beautiful nature you get to see while you do them - and the team at Leaside are big on sustainability and ecosystem protection. It’s been great to see a project with such important climate impacts take shape here.