The Vale secures green grant from Saddleworth Hydro

A Mossley arts and community centre is continuing in its bid to become one of Greater Manchester's greenest venues.

Thanks to a grant from Saddleworth Hydro Sustainability Fund, The Vale can now step up its journey towards net zero.

Part of the funds will pay for high efficiency solar panels to be installed on its roof.

The grant will also support a series of creative outreach workshops with local schools and community groups, which will encourage discussion around sustainability.

Finally, a programme of environmentally-themed films will launch at the venue next year.

This follows The Vale's announcement this summer that it plans to become the first venue in the country to use water to power its monthly gigs from international artists. 

A team of volunteers is currently working to harness the power of a small waterfall close to the building.

Amelia Bayliss, general manager at The Vale, said: "We're aware of our need to reduce our carbon footprint on our journey to net zero, but also a responsibility to raise awareness of sustainability to our local communities. 

"There's something magically interconnected about the circular nature of this funding. 

"The run off from our hills flowing down to Saddleworth Community Hydro is generating income that they're investing to fund more green energy like these solar panels on our roof; renewable energies begetting more renewables, working in tandem for a better future for everyone."

The Vale team was inspired to dabble in water power by a visit to funder Saddleworth Community Hydro, which has been generating electricity this way since 2014.

Saddleworth Community Hydro, which has provided a grant of £17,400, is a community project that generates sustainable electricity through water power.

Situated at Dovestone Reservoir in Greenfield, it is the first hydropower system in England to make electricity through the use of an existing dam. 

Its turbine generates enough sustainable electricity to power around 100 homes via the National Grid, with an annual saving of 170 tonnes of  CO2 .

Other local organisations that received funding from the community project in 2023 include Saddleworth Historical Society, Uppermill Bowling Club and St Barnabas Community Centre in Oldham.

Community groups, clubs and societies of all kinds are invited to apply for grants of up to £20,000 for projects concerning renewable energy, reduction of carbon emissions, biodiversity, climate change and repair and recycling. 

The next deadline for applications is November 20, 2023.

You can contact Saddleworth Community Hydro at: community@saddleworthhydro.co.uk

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