BUILDINGS close to Dorchester’s Corn Exchange could share its heating system in the future.

The Town Council is considering a biomass boiler for the large town centre civic building to replace existing, old and inefficient boilers.

A report from town clerk Adrian Stuart says that discussions have been held with the owners of other properties close to the building to potentially link them in – although he warns that this may increase the upfront costs to the council whilst having the benefit of reducing the payback period for the investment.

The council, in line with its declared climate emergency, is also looking at energy options for other buildings it owns.

These include a proposal for solar panels at the Weymouth Avenue cemetery south chapel and ground source heating at the Weymouth Avenue recreation ground pavilion. The latter expected to cost around £30,000 if it goes ahead.

The town council is also considering giving a £1,500 grant to the Dorchester Youth and Community Centre to help meet the cost of replacing existing lighting with low energy substitutes and offering £200 for a similar project by the Dorchester Municipal Charities.

A grant of £2,000 is also being considered for a community tree planting scheme run by Transition Town Dorchester at various sites around the town.