Tackling Climate Change at Duchy Palace

A Low Carbon Future for a 700-year old building

Cornwall Buildings Preservation Trust has made careful adaptations at Old Duchy Palace to reduce its carbon footprint, whilst improving its resilience to storms and the flooding that periodically affects Quay Street. The building work is complemented by a new online Virtual Tour, enabling more people to learn about the Palace’s long and fascinating history.

The climate change adaptations at Old Duchy Palace included replacing the old gas fired boiler with a bespoke low carbon heating system, improved ventilation, and overhauling the flood defences in the undercroft – all helping to improve the useability of the building for business and visitors.

The Trust hopes that its project will be an exemplar of good environmental practice, using locally based consultants and contractors, especially those offering training and volunteering opportunities.

Building Conservation Surveyors Scott & Co. of Truro organised and oversaw the works at Old Duchy Palace which were carried out by Gloweth Ltd.

Details of the works can be viewed by going to Cornwall Council’s Planning Portal and searching for PA24/01050.

Business Development

The Trust appointed Jo Dean Associates to help with its future development including identifying potential new projects and activities. Jo and her team have extensive experience of assisting heritage and cultural organisations and worked with us through 2024 to produce our new Business Plan for 2025-28.

Digital Strategy

At the same time, we asked consultants Dr Tonia Lu and Nick Cooney to take an in depth look at our current use of digital technology and develop an Action Plan through to 2028. Their expertise should help us to reach out into Cornwall’s communities through a system of more regular communications and social media, as well as improving our internal operations. Technical work to improve our website has enabled some short-term digital skills internships for local students.

This project was jointly funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund and by National Lottery players through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Cornwall Council is the lead authority administering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects. We have also received support from Re-Form Heritage, the freeholder of Old Duchy Palace, and Vickery Holman Property Consultants.

The Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of all parties.