Frank Chapman Outdoor Education Centre is set in 90 acres of ancient oak forest in Bewdley, Worcestershire. Offering residential and day-long learning opportunities for school groups, adult groups and other groups (such as Guides, Scouts and youth clubs), the centre has in recent years acquired a climbing wall, a high ropes course and a glamping village.
Urban Design and Building Services (UDBS) was delighted to be appointed to provide a boiler room upgrade at Frank Chapman Outdoor Education Centre.
Reduced heating costs and emissions
Starting in December 2022, we removed the existing oil-fired boilers and associated heating plant and replaced them with gas-fired, efficient modulating condensing boilers. This work means the centre is no longer using fuel oil, and will benefit from reduced heating costs and emissions.
A new optimiser/compensation controller means the system senses changes in outside temperature and adjusts accordingly, further enhancing its environmental efficiency as well as making it more comfortable for occupants.
Dodd Group Ltd provided the mechanical work, under a direct access framework arrangement with Sandwell Council. You can read about more great work carried out by Dodd Group in Sandwell on our news page.
We handed over the completed boiler room in March 2023.
“We never run out of hot water!”
Debbie Heritage from the Frank Chapman Outdoor Education Centre said: “The benefits are not only financial with the conversation from oil to gas, but environmentally and aesthetically pleasing. We have found the heating is on for considerably less time, due to instantaneous heat and hot water. And we never run out of hot water! Which is a blessing when there are 40 young people all requiring a shower within the same hour.”
UBDS is Sandwell Council’s specialist ‘one stop’ design and buildings maintenance team. Our national award-winning services are also available to outside organisations for public-funded projects.