Green offices plan (From York Press)

Green offices plan

2:06pm Thursday 7th June 2007 in News By Press reporter

A MASSIVE new office space planned for York will boost both business and the environment in an eco-friendly new development, council chiefs said today.

The building, which will be located at Clifton Moor, will offer 60 modern offices and workshops to a variety of different businesses in the York area, and has already been dubbed an "Eco-Business Centre".

Detailed plans have been drawn up, showing that green design will be at the heart of the proposed building.

Some of the plans for the office space include ground source heating, which will provide both heating and hot water.

A wind turbine will also produce electricity to pump the heated water through the under-floor heating.

Even the design of the building will use recycled materials wherever possible, with a roof made of recycled aluminium and a system of harvesting rainwater to flush all toilets in the building.

Coun Steve Galloway, the Liberal Democrat leader of City of York Council, said: "This detailed list of environmental features is really positive news.

"The Eco-Business Centre will be another boost for starter businesses in the city, and the building will have a low impact on the environment.

"This fantastic new facility will include 20 workshops and 40 offices, which will provide excellent space for budding entrepreneurs.

"Existing office and workshop space at the Fishergate and Parkside centres are very outdated.

"I am sure that the new building will be an inspirational place to work in.

"I am delighted that we have been able to progress a scheme that benefits both business and the planet."

The Eco-Business Centre will not just benefit the environment.

Plans say that discounted rents will be available for any young business project tenants under the age of 30.