Case Study: How YorEnergy Helped The Travellers Trust Create a Warmer, More User-Friendly Community Hub

YorEnergy transforms a historic York building into a community hub with improved comfort and lower energy bills. 

Overview: 

York Travellers Trust is a community-led organisation that stands with Gypsy and Traveller families across York and the surrounding area. At the heart of this work is their building in Clifton—a unique and vital space where Gypsy and Traveller communities truly feel they belong. It’s one of the only places in York where they don’t have to hide who they are, where they feel safe, respected, and understood.

This isn’t just a staff base—it’s a living, breathing community hub, shaped by and for the people it serves. From literacy support and functional skills to mental health sessions, and cultural awareness training, it’s a place where identity is celebrated and support is always available.

Importantly, this space opened its doors more widely. By welcoming in other community groups—especially those who are excluded from mainstream services—the Trust is creating a shared space of inclusion, solidarity, and warmth.

But despite its importance, the building had become difficult and expensive to run. Poor insulation meant parts of it were unusable in winter, making it harder to serve the community year-round. The Trust recognised the urgent need to make the space more comfortable, energy-efficient, and fit for the future—so it could continue to be a safe haven not just for Gypsies and Travellers, but for all who need it.

However, like many others in York, the building housing Travellers Trust had become expensive to run and difficult to keep warm. Parts of the building couldn’t be used during the colder months, and the team needed a way to improve comfort and make the building more efficient.

That’s where YorEnergy came in.

A historic building with a modern challenge

The building is over 120 years old and full of character. But high ceilings, ageing insulation and draughty windows meant that it was hard to heat, with energy bills rising sharply. The team at Travellers Trust knew that improving the building’s fabric could help them reduce running costs, improve comfort, and use more of the space year-round.

They secured capital funding through Groundwork UK as part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme. With funding in place, YorEnergy helped them move quickly by introducing the right contractors and guiding the team through every step.

A tailored solution to suit the space

YorEnergy connected Travellers Trust with Wrapt Homes, one of our trusted suppliers specialising in traditional buildings. Together, we designed a set of measures that made the most of the funding and the building’s historic features, while also ensuring it was more fit for purpose.

The works included:

• Internal wall and loft insulation in the upstairs kitchen area, which had previously been too cold to use comfortably.

• Draught-proofing and insulation around windows and reveals on the ground floor to stop cold air getting in.

• Loft insulation throughout the building to improve warmth in meeting rooms and the stairwell.

• LED lighting upgrades in key areas to reduce energy use and brighten shared spaces.
  

  

  

  

  

Working together for minimal disruption

Wrapt Homes approached the works thoughtfully and flexibly, ensuring that the building could stay open and operational throughout the installation process. The team worked around key activities, kept noise and dust to a minimum, and held regular check-ins to keep everyone updated on progress.

“We’ve collaborated with YorEnergy on energy efficiency upgrades at more than 10 properties over the past year. They’re a fantastic team – knowledgeable, approachable, and always focused on providing clear, practical advice to clients. It’s a pleasure to work alongside them.” – Wrapt Homes

Result: A welcoming space that supports the community

The new upgrades have already helped reduce energy costs, improved day-to-day comfort, and opened up parts of the building that were previously too cold to use. The Travellers Trust team also appreciated our holistic, mindful approach and can now welcome their communities into a warmer building, running at a lower cost.

"YorEnergy and Wrapt worked closely with us to develop a bespoke building insulation project for which we’d received funding. They carried out the works, improving comfort for use by our clients and groups, and reducing the high costs of running our large, historic community centre. Definitely recommend their ‘one-stop’ approach that led and supported us through the whole process." – Tony, Travellers Trust

Work with Yorenergy to transform YOUR space!

YorEnergy is not only here to guide individual homeowners. We also help organisations and community groups reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and get the most out of their buildings. Our team will help you understand your options, secure the right suppliers, and make the process as smooth as possible.

If you manage a community space or a local group and would like to make sure your building is up to the task, get in touch with us!