Winston Churchill Theatre

Plumbing & Heating

INTRODUCTION


A comprehensive heating system upgrade project for Uxbridge & Hillingdon Council's Winston Churchill Theatre, completed in January 2024. This £46,000 contract involved powerflushing the heating system, repairing pipework, replacing valves with new TRVs, and increasing radiator sizes to produce adequate heating throughout the facility.


The project was part of a wider energy efficiency retrofit programme, preparing the theatre for future Air Source Heat Pump installation whilst ensuring comfortable conditions for customers, performers, and staff.A comprehensive heating system upgrade project for Uxbridge & Hillingdon Council's Winston Churchill Theatre, completed in January 2024. This £46,000 contract involved powerflushing the heating system, repairing pipework, replacing valves with new TRVs, and increasing radiator sizes to produce adequate heating throughout the facility.


The project was part of a wider energy efficiency retrofit programme, preparing the theatre for future Air Source Heat Pump installation whilst ensuring comfortable conditions for customers, performers, and staff.

Project Details & Challenges

Project Details

Client: Uxbridge & Hillingdon Council

Funding: Community Energy Programme

Costs: £46,000

Contract Value  £267,000

Completion Date: January 2024

Overview

The theatre's heating system was outdated and inefficient, with old and undersized radiators and

problematic pipework. During winter months, the heating for large areas was inadequate, creating uncomfortable conditions for theatre users and increasing energy costs.

Challenges

This theatre is dated, with the heating system in need of updating as the radiators are old, undersized and pipework. The heating for these large areas during winter months are not

adequate or efficient.

Key Challenges

Operational Theatre

Working in a live operational theatre with

ongoing rehearsals, shows, and customer visits required careful

coordination and minimal disruption.

Limited Time Windows

Condensing works into small pockets of available time between theatre

activities required detailed task breakdown and realistic scheduling.

Safety Concerns

Conducting hot works with many people present necessitated additional

safety resources and protocols to ensure

protection for all parties.

As part of a wider energy efficiency retrofit program for Hillingdon and Uxbridge Council, TF Energy was instructed to powerflush the heating system, repair damaged pipework, correctly size and install new heating emitters at the theatre facility. The primary objective was to improve the heating system's efficiency in preparation for the installation of an Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP), and provide adequate heating around the building for customers, performers, and staff.


Clear and concise communication and professional working procedures were agreed prior to start dates, establishing a working harmony and respect between all parties. The project team had to navigate around theatre schedules, other contractors, staff activities, and customer presence, all while maintaining safety standards and working efficiently within tight timeframes.

Solution & Outcomes

Assessment

Conducted thorough survey and heat loss/emitter calculations to determine exact requirements.

System Flush

Flushed heating system pipework to ensure clean, unobstructed flow and remove debris and blockages.

Repairs & Upgrades

Repaired leaks, installed new thermostatic radiator valves, and increased radiator sizes for proper heating.

Aesthetic Finishing

Spraypainted radiators to match each room's décor as instructed by the client.

Implementation Strategy

After conducting a thorough survey and heat loss/emitter calculations, the team recommended and implemented a comprehensive solution that included flushing the heating system pipework to ensure clean, unobstructed flow and remove debris and blockages. They repaired leaks, installed new thermostatic radiator valves, and increased the size of various radiators to provide correct heating for each space of the staffing areas and theatre itself.


To maintain the aesthetic quality of the venue, the team spraypainted the radiators to colours. specified by the client, ensuring they complemented each room's décor. Despite working under significant time restrictions, with detailed planning and a realistic programme of works, the team successfully navigated around the limited timeframes when the heating system could be off.

Conclusion

The project demonstrates how careful planning, clear communication, and professional execution can overcome significant logistical challenges in a live performance venue. By working collaboratively with site managers and maintaining additional safety measures and marshals to conduct works safely, the team delivered this component of the wider contract successfully and within agreed timeframes.


The heating system improvements not only enhanced comfort for theatre users but also prepared the facility for future energy efficiency upgrades through the planned Air Source Heat Pump installation. This project represents an important step in the council's broader energy efficiency retrofit programme, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term sustainability goals.