NEW green measures - including solar panels and a roof covered in wildflowers - have been installed at a new library and community centre.

Yesterday senior councillor Andrew Waller visited the project to see the environmentally friendly measures at the development being built on old Burnholme College site.

Cllr Waller said it was all part of a push to make York a “One Planet City".

He said: “This building will be an asset for the local community and an example of cost effective sustainable development.

“The environmentally friendly measures at Burnholme will produce renewable energy to power the building, and the bio-roof will catch water to slow its flow into the drains, reducing the risk of surface water flooding.”

The £4.1 million centre is currently being built by Sewell Construction for City of York Council.

It will be home to a community hall, library, café, nursery and meeting spaces, as well as recording space for Tang Hall SMART.

The construction company says the green measure could generate 320,000 kilowatts of electricity over the next 25 years, with a potential saving of £75,000 as well as reductions in CO2 emissions. The wildflower planting improves the “ecological value” of the site, they added, and helps wildlife.

Sewell development manager Josh Donnelly said: “Working with City of York Council we looked past the initial construction phase and identified some long-term, sustainable benefits for the centre.

“The roof and integrated solar panels will reduce ongoing energy costs, whilst bringing environmental benefits.

“Native tree and hedgerow species will be planted, grass and a low-growing native wildflower mix will be allowed to grow taller than a standard grassed area to encourage bees and butterflies, and bird and bat boxes will be installed.”

Besides the community and library building, the rest of the site will contain a new care home, health centre and affordable housing with sports and play facilities.