Intra Community Trust

Welcome to the Intra Community Trust

About

Intra Community Trust (ICT) is a membership-led charity operating in the Old High Street conservation area of Rochester and Chatham between Star Hill and Sun Pier, known locally as ‘Intra’. 

After the late 16th century, owing to its distinctive location along a meander of the river Medway, the early medieval history of the conservation area was transformed by significant industrial and commercial development generated by the Royal Navy Dockyard at Chatham and accompanying military garrison. Throughout the 17th and early 18th century the area was characterised by a thriving economy of shipbuilding and repair, brewing, importation, and retail. And to cater for the expanding workforce, also subsequent leisure activities: pubs, theatres, music halls. However, since the Second World War, owing to the reduction in the country’s armed forces, and the closing of the Dockyard in 1981, the area suffered significant economic decline.

Today, while the area continues to face significant challenges, it has been identified as an area of special architectural and historic interest. The high street includes a collection of historic buildings that are Grade II listed, and have been added to the National Heritage list for England. While the industrial hinterland bordering the river, comprised of warehouses, lanes, walkways, wharves, jetties, and piers, in recent years has been the focus of new regeneration initiatives and small business development. Moreover, the area as a whole has become a creative hub for artists, musicians, performers, fashion designers, and pottery makers, who have made it their home.    

Historic Homes Retrofit Project

A new Medway initiative designed to support owners of heritage properties in making their homes more energy efficient and resilient to climate change.

The Historic Homes Retrofit Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Medway Heritage Place programme. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to offer these resources to the residents of Medway. 

Intra Community Trust Logo

Improving Energy Efficiency in Historic Homes 

This guide provides Medway’s historic homeowners with the resources needed to make their properties energy-efficient and resilient to climate change. The goal is to minimize environmental impact while protecting the unique historic character of your home. 

Key Considerations:

  • The Whole-House Approach: It is vital to look at your home as a complete system rather than a set of individual parts. This ensures retrofit measures are effective and that the historic fabric of the building does not deteriorate.
  • Prioritize Low-Cost Wins: Homeowners are encouraged to look at low-cost, low-intervention behaviours before considering expensive or invasive alterations. 
  • Regulatory Flexibility: It should be noted that Historic buildings are not always required to comply fully with Part L of the Building Regulations if doing so would harm the building’s special architectural or historic character. 
  • Standards Update: Please also note that the BSI PAS 2083 retrofit standard for historic buildings has been deleted. 

1. Getting Started: The Whole-House or Fabric-First Approach

These resources provide a foundation for understanding how older buildings perform and how to plan improvements. 

ResourceBest Used For…Link
National Retrofit Hub A central knowledge base for retrofit resources. Access Hub
Historic England: Energy Efficiency General approach to efficiency in older homes, including guidance on EPCs. Visit Page 
Historic England: Stepped Approach A starting point for homeowners to identify low-cost, low-intervention methods first. View Guide 
STBA Whole House Approach Guidance on looking at the building as a whole system. Read More 
STBA Guidance Wheel An interactive tool for appraising different retrofit options. Use the Wheel 

2. Technical Guidance & Specific Repairs 

Once you have a plan, these links provide “deep dives” into specific interventions like insulation, windows, and renewable energy. 

  • Fabric Interventions & Renewables: High-level guidance on insulating walls and floors, as well as installing solar PV panels and heat pumps. 

    Historic England Technical Advice 
  • SPAB Research & Help: Access to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) technical helpline, research on thermal efficiency, and advice notes. 

    SPAB Research 

    SPAB Knowledgebase 
  • STBA Knowledge Hub: A centre for responsible retrofit information. 

    STBA Knowledge Hub 
  • Cambridge City Retrofit Guide: A highly useful external report on retrofitting homes. 

    Download Guide 

3. Local Guidance & Medway Resources 

Specific information regarding Medway Council’s initiatives and helpful guides from neighbouring regions.