Project details

GDL have recently completed works at the Unity Hall restoration project in Wakefield. Opened in 1902 by the Wakefield Wholesale Co-operative Society, Unity Hall was a major entertainment venue for concerts and dances from the 1950s through to the 1980’s. But the entertainment came to a close at the end of the 1990s and the building has stood empty ever since.

A community group was started in 2011 to turn the derelict Unity Hall on Westgate into a music and arts venue. More than 200 people have invested in a community share scheme, anyone who chooses to buy shares will be paid interest of 4% from the time of opening, with the hope to increase it to 6% in three years.

So far £4m has been raised to refurbish the Grade-II listed building that was established as the Wakefield Co-operative headquarters in 1867. The anticipated completion date is September 2014.

Project overview

GDL were asked to design, manufacture and install a bespoke octagonal Penthouse Turret to sit in a very prominent position on the building. The architect wanted to replicate the original Victorian turret aesthetically whilst maintaining the correct level of ventilation.

The GDL Intelivent Natural Ventilation Turret selected creates a stack effect through the main hall via the ductwork. This system works in conjunction with automated control, CO² and temperature sensors with set point levels and an extract fan. This allows us to maintain a comfortable environment within the main hall with the desired air temperature and a controlled seasonal ventilation rate being achieved.

By incorporating controls, the ventilation rate can be designed to be dependent on the occupancy level within the room throughout the day, significantly lowering energy consumption.

Benefits of using GDL Products on the project

• We offer a bespoke design service to suit our customers exact requirements.
• Intelivent Penthouse Turrets are designed to offer a balanced supply of fresh air whilst removing warm stale air from the buildings.
• The Penthouse Turret is controlled by CO² and Temperature sensors allowing a controlled summer and winter ventilation rate.

Quick links

This project benefitted from the following GDL Products: