Newsreel Greenhouse Officially Opened

Eco-friendly development launched in south Leeds

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Newsreel: Greenhouse Officially Opened

A pioneering new eco-friendly development has been officially opened in Leeds. Greenhouse, a predominantly residential development situated just south of the city centre in Beeston, has been created by an extensive refurbishment of a run-down hostel known as Shaftesbury House. The company behind Greenhouse, Citu, states that people living in the building will save around 60% a year on average fuel bills due to its environmentally sound design.

Solar panels and wind turbines are among the building’s many green design features. Another particularly worthy addition is the way in which waste water is collected from basins together with rainwater from the roof, before being filtered and recycled around the building. Tenants are able to view constantly updated data showing their daily energy usage on their TVs or online for an easy-to-see record of how much they are spending on their utility bills: news that’s sure to impress eco-warriors and careful Yorkshiremen alike.

And from the tenants’ point of view, the great thing is they’ve not needed to sacrifice high-spec mod cons in order to do their bit for the environment. The building is wired up to a superfast 100MB internet connection, there’s an on-site gym and deli, as well as an internet protocol TV service with on-demand movies plus other on-screen information such as real-time bus schedules. In addition to the residential offering, Greenhouse is also home to Grade A office suites ranging from 500 to 4,900 sq ft in size.

The construction of Greenhouse has raised some challenging questions from some locals about its potential implications for those who already live in the area. Certainly those living nearby will be desperately hoping that its construction can help to spearhead a much-needed wave of regeneration in this part of Beeston, rather than the building standing as a symbol of unattainable wealth to those who live around it. Citu on their part have stated that they are making significant attempts to engage with the local community and to help regenerate the neighbourhood so that those living in the surrounding area can share in some of the benefits, with LS11 residents able to buy apartments at discounted rates.

Labour MP Hilary Benn, speaking as he officially opened the building, indicated that Greenhouse can be a major asset to the area: “Citu came along with a 21st century vision, which has now been realised, which is exactly why Greenhouse is such a successful development – you come here and see what is happening now, a project which has regenerated Beeston – turning it into a happening place.”

Here’s hoping that this impressive new development is set to be of major benefit to the environment – both in a global sense, and locally.

Greenhouse, Beeston Road, LS11   8ND, 0113 234 6686, www.greenhouseleeds.co.uk

Posted on Wednesday 27th October 2010
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