UK’S FIRST CARBON NEGATIVE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IS FLAGSHIP OF LEEDS’ BID TO BE THE COUNTRY’S GREENEST CITY

Work has started on a pioneering urban regeneration project to create the UK’s first carbon negative residential development. ‘greenhouse,’ a £26 million, ground-breaking project located in one of the most socially disadvantaged areas of Leeds is a flagship in its drive to be the greenest city in the country.

‘greenhouse’ is setting new standards in sustainable eco-friendly development and is the anchor in the Beeston Hill & Holbeck regeneration programme by Leeds City Council.

The scheme was drawn up by Citu, one of the UK’s leading developers of contemporary urban living and will create 172 one, two and three-bed apartments in an art-deco, former workers’ hostel. Prices start from just £59,000 and 130 of the apartments have been sold off-plan within one week.

The development, which is attracting interest from across Europe, uses ground source heat pump technology, rooftop mounted wind turbines, a rooftop solar thermal system, state-of-the-art super insulation and a majestic 100metre (328ft) wind turbine – which would become the tallest structure in Leeds and an impressive physical testimony of the city’s green intentions. All of the innovations combine to drastically reduce CO2 emissions, each year the greenhouse development will save 2 tonnes of carbon per flat compared to a conventional modern flat, as well as cutting tenant’s bills by up to a 1/3 of other homes.

Additional features embrace a design-led approach to minimising adverse environmental impacts, including such novel initiatives as an electric car-sharing scheme for apartment owners, a bike by-the-hour service and the provision of free umbrellas to encourage walking to work – whatever the weather.

The project is central to the council’s plans to give the emerging ‘New South Leeds’ area, covering Beeston Hill & Holbeck, a brighter future, a healthier environment and an improved image.

‘greenhouse’ has been embraced by Leeds City Council as the central element of its co-ordinated, urban renewal programme for the area. It also includes social development trust Tiger 11 which is converting a former local school into a business incubator to encourage and support local people who want to start up their own companies.

Mac Maclean, Director, Citu said: “With greenhouse, we are touching the nerve of the nation; this is the most exciting development we’ve been involved in and will make a massive positive impact. Beeston is a developing inner-city area with a great community; it has been a pleasure working so closely with Leeds City Council and Tiger 11.”

Chris Thompson, Director, Citu continued: “True regeneration is all about local people and strong partnerships. We have taken the wider view on plans for both the building and the broader environment – both of which have received considerable investment – and we’re sure this pioneering project will become one of the most positively talked about developments for years to come.”

Leeds City Council has positioned Beeston Hill and Holbeck as priority regeneration areas. This long term plan, now in its second stage – covering Beeston Hill and West Hunslet has been focused on the local community with continual consultation being credited for its success.

Ian MacKay, Renaissance Team City Development said: “The greenhouse development and Tiger 11 plans fitted perfectly into the overall regeneration framework and therefore are sure to facilitate a smooth transition. This is a long term strategy and we’ve really focused on doing the absolute best for the local community who, from the outset, have been involved in all elements of the consultation.”

The latest phase of the consultation took place on Saturday (Sept 15) when detailed proposals to deliver improvements to the surrounding area, including Beeston Road, as well as plans to construct the 300ft wind turbine, the tallest structure in Leeds, were unveiled to residents.

Local MP Hilary Benn, the Environment Secretary, has a keen interest in the regeneration plans and the eco-modern development. He commented: “The project is an excellent example of the role community consultation plays in urban regeneration. It is very refreshing to see this development using a number of innovative and forward-thinking techniques to improve both the local and wider environment. This shows what can be done.”

Email: paula@acceleris-mc.com