30 September 2006 - NEW ECO CENTRE TO GO AHEAD
The final funding will shortly be in place to proceed with an innovative new Environmental Technology Centre in Shrewsbury, following a commitment by the Rural Regeneration Zone to invest over £1/2m towards the £1.6m project. This is a unique joint venture between Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, developer Indigo Seven and environmental company Water Management (and the RRZ, which receives funding from Advantage West Midlands).
The Centre will be developed in the former Social Club in Coton Hill, adjacent to the Gateway. The project will include refurbishment and new build to create over 9,000 sq. ft of offices for environmental technology companies, part of which will be an incubator element to support start up businesses. There is already strong interest in this space and it is expected that over half will be let before the redevelopment begins on site in the autumn.
Shrewsbury has a strong environmental sector consisting of a number of businesses and organisations ranging from consultancies to waste disposal operatives. A key cluster of such businesses in Swan Hill face relocation when their existing premises are converted into residential development in 2007. There is a significant risk that these businesses would have dispersed and may have left the region if this centre was not developed. The businesses have grown together over a long period of time and are mutually supportive of each others activity.
Among the businesses expected to take space at the centre are several advanced technology firms, such as firms involved in biomass wood pellet and bio-diesel, as well as a shared-vehicle car club using a petrol-electric hybrid vehicle.
The development will embrace new environmental technologies, which will generate and save energy and it is envisaged that the building will become a showcase development in the West Midlands for demonstrating sustainable energies and construction.
David Griffiths, Destination Shrewsbury Manager at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council commented:-
“This is one of the most exciting and innovative projects emerging in Shrewsbury for many years which will provide space for new and expanding environmental technology companies. It will provide an example of how technologies can provide economic and sustainable solutions within buildings”
Peter Pawsey, Chair of the Rural Regeneration Zone said: “The Rural Regeneration Zone is committed to supporting activities that protect or improve the environment or generate income through environmental good practice. The Shrewsbury Environmental Technology centre will do both of these things whilst also supporting small businesses and providing them with valuable collaborative opportunities.”
Media contact:
David Griffiths, Destination Shrewsbury Manager 01743 281014
Jon King, Events and Media Officer 01743 281016 or
email jon.king@shrewsbury.gov.uk
Notes to Editors
The Rural Regeneration Zone covers large parts of Herefordshire and Shropshire as well as wards within Wyre Forest and Malvern Hills in Worcestershire.
The purpose of the Zone is to bring together partners from the public, private and voluntary sector to develop and implement a programme of economic regeneration that achieves lasting change for those who live and/or work in the area.
The Board is accountable to Advantage West Midlands.
Advantage West Midlands is one of nine Regional Development Agencies in England whose role is to provide leadership and action to create more, better jobs and an improved quality of life for all in the West Midlands.