Millennium Powerhouse

Situated in Moss Side, Manchester

A transformative refit scheme with decarbonisation in mind from the offset

The Millennium Powerhouse has been a cornerstone of the local community since 2000, providing a vital hub for young people with services including libraries, mental health outreach, sports and dance facilities, and career support. We undertook extensive refurbishment works designed not only to improve the appearance and usability of the facility but also to significantly enhance its environmental performance and the future resilience of the building. Our team carried out the full replacement of all external doors, windows, and cladding, and applied a new silicone render finish over 140mm EPS insulation to the exterior walls. The existing flat roof was stripped and replaced with an Alwitra single ply roof system, incorporating new roof lights and 180mm PIR insulation – all in line with ICB Waterproofing specifications. In response to prior water pooling issues, we introduced tapered insulation to ensure better drainage and longevity. As part of the upgrade, we also reconfigured existing window openings, reducing their size for improved energy efficiency. These were then refitted with high-performance aluminium double-glazed units to match the building’s new aesthetic and insulation standards.

This site was live for the duration of the project and involved interaction with a full spectrum of the general public, including young children, pensioners, students with special educational needs, patients and the homeless. A local hub of activity, the building housed a live sports and youth centre, a library and holiday clubs.  All works were carried out with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations, ensuring the safety and accessibility of this vital space remained a priority throughout.

A Decarbonisation Fabric-First Approach
The project is a flagship example of our commitment to decarbonisation – as we work towards the UK’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050. At B&E Boys, sustainability is not an afterthought – it’s embedded in every material choice, construction method, and design decision. This project focused not only on reducing operational carbon through better insulation and building efficiency but also on lowering embodied carbon by selecting sustainable materials and using local suppliers wherever possible.