FEATURE
Colourful – FROG community enterprise manager Lynn Pallister MBE, left, and Emma Stainthorpe, in one of the hub’ s play areas.
Powering the community
How Sembcorp is fuelling grassroots regeneration in Teesside
WORDS: PAUL FRASER PICTURES: CHRIS BOOTH
For decades, the vast Wilton International site has been a driving force in Teesside’ s economy, linked heavily with the generations of local families who have lived and worked alongside it.
Today, under the stewardship of Sembcorp Energy UK, the 2,000-acre site is being reshaped into a launchpad for the future of clean energy.
But beyond the perimeter fences and the legacy of its manufacturing past, Sembcorp is actively redefining what it means to be a good neighbour.
While the scale of the Wilton site is immense, the company’ s focus off-site is decidedly hyper-local.
Recognising its responsibility to places such as Grangetown and South Bank- proud, tight-knit communities that have historically faced socioeconomic challenges- Sembcorp has spent recent years acting as a dedicated community champion, driving investments that make a tangible difference on a grassroots level.
At the forefront of Sembcorp’ s community initiatives is a solar panel project at the Grangetown Community Hub. Installed by UCS Renewables, the system provides a reliable, cost-effective source of green energy that slashes utility bills for the vital local facility.
By relieving the financial pressure of rising energy costs, the Hub can redirect crucial funding back into the daily services and support networks local residents rely on.
The project directly aligns with Sembcorp’ s commitment to the UN’ s Sustainable Development Goal 7( affordable and clean energy), dedicating at least half of its community funding to initiatives that help local organisations transition to renewables.
Lynn Pallister MBE, Future Regeneration of Grangetown( FROG) community enterprise manager, said:“ We are incredibly grateful to Sembcorp for their generous support.
“ The installation of these solar panels is a game-changer for the Grangetown Community Hub. By significantly reducing our ongoing energy costs, we can redirect those much-needed funds back into the services, activities and support networks that our residents rely on every day.
“ It is a vital step in the future regeneration of Grangetown and it is
56 | Tees Business