News
£4.1m eco–friendly centre starts Ivybridge regeneration
( Last Updated: 08-08-2007 )
WORK is now underway on Ivybridge's new £4.1 million eco-friendly library, community resource centre and incubator business suite.
Digging on site began on Friday [Ruth to confirm] when the Mayor of Ivybridge joined construction company Midas to break the turf and celebrate the commencement of the 11-month project. It follows two years of planning and consultation.
The building has been designed with the environment in mind and will include insulated bricks, solar panels, vented windows to prevent overheating and heat-recovery ventilation systems. Many of the construction materials are also environmentally friendly.
Richard Ellis, Divisional Manager for Midas, said: "After considerable hard work during the bid stage we are delighted to have been appointed for this challenging and prestigious project. We look forward to working very closely with our client, the design team and everyone involved, and are confident we will exceed their expectations."
The new centre at Erme Court in Ivybridge town centre will include a library with IT centre, cafe, one-stop information shop, and areas for conferences and meetings. It will also house 16 business incubation units plus business support and training services, to bring in revenue to help make the centre sustainable. Brightly-coloured metal panels will decorate the exterior.
Mayor of Ivybridge councillor Marc Chapman, who attended the launch with councillor Humphrey Temperley of Devon county council, said: "The library and resource centre represent a new future for the people of Ivybridge. It is a dynamic and innovative build that has only been achievable through the hard work and commitment of many people. It will breathe life into the town centre, bringing new business opportunities and much-needed facilities for the whole community."
As well as providing learning and social opportunities to the rural area, the three-storey centre will create 36 new jobs and offer specialist advice and support services to local businesses.
Project architect Sarah Lee of Stride Treglown said: "The plans have been created in consultation with South Hams district council and the Commission for Architecture and Built Environment (CABE), and the proposals have been given a ‘Very Good' BREEAM environmental impact rating. We are using environmentally sustainable materials where we can, such as timber and rubber from sustainable sources and recycled aggregate in the construction.
"Creating a dynamic, attractive building to fit the diverse needs of the whole community while incorporating energy efficient measures has been challenging, but through good partnership working with the client, Midas and our professional consultants we have hopefully reached our goal."
The centre has been funded by a partnership that includes Devon county council, Ivybridge town council, South Hams district council, Devon Renaissance through SWRDA, and Objective 2 funding through Government Office South West.
Completion of the centre is planned for March 2008.
