The first stage of a district heat scheme in Bridgend town centre is set to take another baby step forward this week (pdf).
Bridgend Council’s Cabinet is being asked to approve some of the details concerning the final contract for the scheme’s delivery.
The scheme would result in a generator being built at Bridgend Life Centre/The Rec to supply heating to buildings at the new Sunnyside wellness village development (work on which is set to resume once a new contractor is appointed) and the Civic Offices on Angel Street.
Later stages could result in this network being expanded to include schools, hospitals and other parts of the town centre.
Last year, the Cabinet agreed to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (Bridgend Heat & Power Ltd.) – a council-owned company run independently – to deliver and run the scheme.
The report says five bidders expressed interest in constructing the scheme, but their bids cost more than BCBC expected due to inflation, material costs and Covid-19.
Following further discussions, interested bidders were asked to find savings while the council considers the financial model to fund the scheme. This is partly because of the recent rise in interest rates (BCBC will borrow £1.82million to help fund it).
