FEATURE
UK’S FIRST CARBON
NEGATIVE RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT IS FLAGSHIP
OF LEEDS’ BID TO BE THE
COUNTRY’S GREENEST CITY
Citu’s innovative ‘greenhouse’ project attracts Europe-wide interest
W
ork 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 Tiger 11 which is converting a former local school Ian MacKay, Renaissance Team City
pump technology, rooftop mounted wind turbines, into a business incubator to encourage and Development said: “The greenhouse development
a rooftop solar thermal system, state-of-the-art support local people who want to start up their and Tiger 11 plans fitted perfectly into the overall
super insulation and a majestic 100metre (328ft) own companies. regeneration framework and therefore are sure to
wind turbine - which would become the tallest Mac Maclean, Director, Citu said: “With facilitate a smooth transition. This is a long term
structure in Leeds and an impressive physical greenhouse, we are touching the nerve of the strategy and we’ve really focused on doing the
testimony of the city’s green intentions. All of the nation; this is the most exciting development we’ve absolute best for the local community who, from
innovations combine to drastically reduce CO
2
been involved in and will make a massive positive the outset, have been involved in all elements of
emissions, each year the greenhouse development impact. Beeston is a developing inner-city area the consultation.”
will save 2 tonnes of carbon per flat compared to with a great community; it has been a pleasure The latest phase of the consultation took place
a conventional modern flat, as well as cutting working so closely with Leeds City Council and on Saturday (Sept 15) when detailed proposals to
tenant’s bills by up to a 1/3 of other homes. Tiger 11.” deliver improvements to the surrounding area,
Additional features embrace a design-led Chris Thompson, Director, Citu continued: including Beeston Road, as well as plans to
approach to minimising adverse environmental “True regeneration is all about local people and construct the 300ft wind turbine, the tallest
impacts, including such novel initiatives as an strong partnerships. We have taken the wider structure in Leeds, were unveiled to residents.
electric car-sharing scheme for apartment owners, view on plans for both the building and the Local MP Hilary Benn, the Environment
a bike by-the-hour service and the provision of broader environment - both of which have Secretary, has a keen interest in the regeneration
free umbrellas to encourage walking to work - received considerable investment - and we’re sure plans and the eco-modern development. He
whatever the weather. this pioneering project will become one of the commented: “The project is an excellent example
The project is central to the council’s plans to most positively talked about developments for of the role community consultation plays in urban
give the emerging ‘New South Leeds’ area, years to come.” regeneration. It is very refreshing to see this
covering Beeston Hill & Holbeck, a brighter future, Leeds City Council has positioned Beeston Hill development using a number of innovative and
a healthier environment and an improved image. and Holbeck as priority regeneration areas. This forward-thinking techniques to improve both the
‘greenhouse’ has been embraced by Leeds long term plan, now in its second stage - covering local and wider environment. This shows what can
City Council as the central element of its co- Beeston Hill and West Hunslet has been focused be done.”
ordinated, urban renewal programme for the on the local community with continual consultation
area. It also includes social development trust being credited for its success.
SUSTAINABLE FM | NOVEMBER 2007 39|
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