Construction starts on pioneering net zero office building
Construction has started on a 115,000 sq ft office building which is set to raise the bar for sustainable development.
Developer The English Cities Fund (ECF), scheme partners and contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland, said the scheme will be the first in the region to meet the UK Green Building Council’s (UKGBC) ‘net zero’ in operation targets.
This groundbreaking 11-storey building with ground-floor retail – that will operate solely on renewable energy – has been designed by renowned architects, Make Architects, using UKGBC’s Design for Performance standard and will sit on a gateway plot opposite Two New Bailey, Salford.
The scheme aims to be the standard-bearer in environmentally-conscious development, wellbeing and is committing to be verified using the NABERS UK ratings system.
What will stand the building apart from others is its living façade, which at 4,000sqm will be the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world.
This unique skin that will envelope the building, will include a range of plants from evergreen species such as Saracococca Confusa to Hyssopus Officinalis, which will be a source of nectar for bees.
The façade will bloom throughout the year and has been designed to remove air pollutants including carbon, reduce urban temperatures, while offering thermal benefits to occupiers and deliver a net gain in the biodiversity of the area.
To mark the start of the construction, Blue Peter was there to capture the moment on film.
Phil Marsden, projects director at ECF, said: “We’re proud to welcome Blue Peter’s Mwaksy and partners to New Bailey and start the construction on what we firmly believe will be an iconic scheme here in Salford.
“As a business we’re committed to leading from the front and do our bit to tackle the climate crisis, building back better than ever and developing sustainable schemes that deliver direct benefits to the community.”
He added: “We have an obligation in the sector to leave a long-lasting, positive legacy for the next generation, driving investment, opportunities and prosperity right into the heart of Salford and beyond, while responding to the demand for high-quality office space that promotes agile working, active travel and colleague wellbeing. We’re looking forward to working with partners to bring our collective vision to life.”
Salford Youth Mayor Rose Palmer said: “It is fantastic to see first-hand the start of this pioneering net zero scheme here in Salford.
“I’m so proud this new building will have ultra-low energy use and I can’t wait to see Europe’s biggest living wall when it is fully created. It is very exciting to have this all happening on our doorstep.”
Paul Sykes, regional director at Bowmer + Kirkland, said: “As a company, Bowmer + Kirkland understand and promote our responsibilities to deliver environmentally and socially sustainable developments, leading the industry in pioneering the latest standards and innovations in net zero carbon and social value.”
The £1bn Salford Central masterplan is being delivered by The English Cities Fund, a joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal & General and Homes England, in partnership with Salford City Council.
