Showroom Cinema Takes a Major Step Towards Energy Efficiency with Solar Panel Installation

Showroom Cinema is projected to save £48,500 annually following the installation of one of the largest solar panel arrays in Sheffield City Centre.

In partnership with Sheffield City Council and The Foyle Foundation, Showroom Work Station (SRWS) has installed an impressive array of 245 solar panels on the rooftop of its iconic Art Deco building in Sheffield City Centre.

The solar panels are expected to generate approximately 82,532 kWh annually, covering 11% of SRWS’ annual energy usage.

The installation was made possible through generous grants provided by Sheffield City Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Low Carbon Community and Cultural Project, and The Foyle Foundation.

High carbon emissions and escalating utility costs have posed significant challenges for the cinema exhibition sector in recent years.

Showroom Cinema’s proactive efforts to address these issues highlight its role as a leader in sustainability within Sheffield’s cultural landscape. In 2024, the organisation upgraded an aging digital film projector to an energy-efficient laser model, reducing annual CO₂ emissions by an added 1.1 tonnes. This was achieved through the generosity of a community fundraising appeal and funding from Sheffield City Council.

As part of the Sheffield Media and Exhibition Centre (registered charity no. 1002020), Showroom Cinema relies on grants and donations for over half of its revenue. The organisation is dedicated to finding new funding opportunities that align with its environmental goals and support Sheffield City Council’s broader net zero ambitions.

Mark Hilton, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Showroom and Work Station, said: “We begin the new year with a strong commitment to the future of Showroom Cinema and Work Station, an investment that will reinforce the charity’s financial future and sustainability goals. We are grateful to have this generous support from Sheffield Council and the Foyle Foundation, which will support our feasibility and environmental commitments. Throughout 2025, we will be reflecting and celebrating on the achievements of three decades of Showroom Cinema.”
 
Ruth Mersereau, Board member for Showroom Cinema and Work Station, and Green Party Councillor for City Ward, Sheffield, said: “I’m thrilled that Showroom Work Station is at the forefront of our city-wide ambitions to reach net zero. As well as being great news for the environment, these solar panels will enable this fantastic charitable organisation and key cultural hub to massively reduce its energy bills.” 

About Showroom Work Station  

Showroom Cinema is one of Europe's largest independent cinemas, complete with a fully licensed Café Bar, and is Sheffield's only independently programmed cinema. It is paired with the Work Station, which is the longest-running creative business centre in the city and home to a thriving community of over 60 cultural, creative, and digital companies. All housed in an iconic 1930s' Art Deco building.

For more information on Showroom Cinema visit: /

UKSPF Low Carbon Community and Cultural Project 

The Low Carbon Community and Cultural Project has received £2,198,900 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus 

The Foyle Foundation 

The Foyle Foundation was established in 2000 as an independent grant making trust to distribute grants to UK based charities (primarily arts and learning) and schools. The Foundation’s long planned spend down and closure takes place in December 2025 by when it will have distributed over £180M in total, including a number of legacy projects with long term benefit.  https://foylefoundation.org.uk/ 

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