Award-winning Homebuilding visitor centre launches Retrofit Zone to help homeowners cut bills and carbon

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre (NSBRC) has officially opened its inspiring new Retrofit Zone, a hands-on exhibit showing homeowners exactly how to upgrade their homes for better comfort, efficiency, and sustainability. For homeowners, local authorities, educational institutions, trades and professionals, this is a must-visit destination for everyone interested in making homes healthier, cheaper to run and kinder to the planet – ideally located on the M4 corridor, outside of Swindon.

Sarah Gibson MP, cut the ribbon at the new exhibit’s official launch on Friday 7th November, just hours after the NSBRC took home the title of ‘Sustainable Business of the Year’ at The Business Exchange Awards 2025. This recognition reflects an ongoing commitment to helping build better, sustainable homes, and doing better, sustainable business.

What’s in it for you?

The exhibit includes life-size cross-sections representing different types and ages of homes commonly found in the UK, to demonstrate the challenges most likely to be associated with them. You can explore potential solutions best suited for them - with an emphasis on taking a ‘fabric-first’ approach to balance your home’s ecosystem.

The Retrofit Zone helps to demystify a number of key topics, including:

•  Insulation & airtightness · Ventilation & moisture management · Efficient low-carbon heating & renewable energy · Low-cost energy savings · Regulations & planning permission · Funding & grants

Built with industry leaders

The Retrofit Zone has been created in collaboration with top industry names, including headline sponsors: Cupa Pizarras, Eco Design Consultants, Ecological Building Systems, Norrsken, Northcot Brick, Nu-Heat, PRB Systems Limited, Roseview Windows, as well as the AECB, Centre for Sustainable Energy, The Green Register and many more.

Sarah Gibson, the centre’s constituency MP and an architect by profession, said at the launch: “Making our existing homes greener and more energy efficient, is something I am deeply passionate about. If we are serious about reaching net zero, we must help homeowners cut energy use, lower bills, and make homes warmer. It is time the Government backed retrofit properly.

I am honoured to open the new Retrofit Zone at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre. An excellent visitor centre whose focus on sustainable building is second to none, and well worth a visit if you are looking for more energy efficient ways to improve your home”.

Supported by Wiltshire Council and the Business Fit for Growth programme, the exhibit offers real-world solutions and trusted expertise for anyone planning home improvements. Councillor

Helen Belcher OBE was also in attendance at the launch event, speaking about local and national ambitions to improve comfort and affordability of homes, whilst highlighting the key role homes play in achieving national net-zero targets.

“Four in five of the homes we’ll live in by 2050 already exist,” said Harvey Fremlin, Managing Director at the NSBRC. “That means upgrading what we have is essential - but it can be confusing. The Retrofit Zone is designed to make it simple, practical, and inspiring. Homeowners can see what works, talk to experts, and leave feeling confident about taking action.”

The NSBRC is open six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5:30pm) and entry is free! Find out more at nsbrc.co.uk.

The National Self Build & Renovation Centre, Lydiard Fields, Swindon, SN5 8UB. J16, M4.