The Retail Trust is taking significant steps to reduce the carbon impact of its Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate in Newton Mearns. By installing solar panels on a new community hub being built by Clark Contracts at the estate's Crookfur House, the charity aims to cut carbon emissions by a quarter.

East Renfrewshire Council has provided funding for the solar panels, which, combined with other energy-saving measures, will save over 18 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The installation of the panels is part of a comprehensive renovation of the building to better serve older people and the community in East Renfrewshire.

The new facilities will offer a variety of activities and support groups to help those at risk of isolation and with long-term health needs. The Retail Trust is inviting local community groups to join them in providing services from the hub, which is scheduled to launch later this year.

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The renovation includes refurbishing three disused spaces and the community café, upgrading the building's heating, ventilation, windows, and electricity, and replacing a glass conservatory roof. These improvements will further enhance the building's energy efficiency.

Last year, East Renfrewshire saw a significant increase in renewable energy installations, including solar panels, with a 31% year-on-year rise. The Retail Trust's initiative aligns with this trend and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

Lawrence Coen, managing director of property and supported living at the Retail Trust, said "We’re incredibly grateful for the support of funders like East Renfrewshire Council who are enabling us to build our new community hub whilst reducing its energy usage and costs, so that we can protect its long-term future and focus on helping even more local people.

"We’ve been working with organisations including Voluntary Action, Age Concern and Talking Points East Renfrewshire to develop our plans for these facilities and we’re encouraging more community groups to join us in providing services from there when we launch later this year."

East Renfrewshire Council's £10,000 funding for the new solar panels has been provided through a Get to Zero grant.

More than 120 people currently live on the Hugh Fraser Retirement Estate, one of five supported living estates run by the Retail Trust for people retired from the retail industry, or who are in the care of someone working in or retired from the sector. The charity also works with more than 200 retailers to protect their staff’s wellbeing.

Clark Contracts has previously worked within the estate, having completed two phases of work between 2018 and 2020 to construct 46 new retirement apartments.