Published: Thursday, 31st January, 2008 16:30
Green light on energy efficient civic centre
By Lucy Thorne
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Forward thinking: Lib Dem leader Bob Green, Council leader Jo Lovelock, Tory leader Andrew Cumpsty look over the new model for the civic centre and Master Plan
THE new civic offices could be one of the nation’s greenest buildings.
Plans to rebuild the offices on a site in Hosier Street include better energy efficiency, green roofs and the use of natural light.
The architects believe the new building could reduce the civic centre’s carbon emissions by 75%.
The latest plans unveiled this week, to regenerate the tired part of town by creating a civic and cultural quarter, have been shaped by residents’ feedback.
Julian Lipscombe, director of architects Bennetts Associates, said: “We have reduced the size of the offices, which has created a larger public space in Dusseldorf Way but the smaller building also means we have increased its energy efficiency.
“At present the building is emitting 100kg of carbon dioxide per year, the new building will cut that to 25kg.
“We hope this will be one of the leading sustainable buildings in the country.”
The energy efficiency will help offset the council’s borrowing to pay for the scheme.
The council has also listened to other concerns raised at the last month’s consultation phase, and adapted the plans to resolve some of these issues.
A larger public square will be created outside the Minster Church of St Mary in the Butts to house the market, while shops and the civic centre Post Office branch will front Hosier Street.
The council chamber will leads out into the public space behind the centre - creating the message that the public are welcome.
Council deputy leader Jo Lovelock said: “We are putting the plans back out to consultation to demonstrate how it has helped the master plan evolve.”
There is already resounding support for moving the Central Library from King’s Road and replacing the Hexagon with a new theatre.
Cllr Lovelock added: “We can’t make any decision about the Hexagon or the library yet. The theatre experts looking at the scheme have come back with questions about what we need to do.”
The council aims to include the views from this latest round of consultation in its proposals and hopes to submit a planning application by the end of March.
Tory leader Cllr Andrew Cumpsty said: “There has been cross party agreement to get the right solution, which is important for the future generations of Reading and also the best value for money for all council tax payers.”
Councillors plan to meet developers Ivy Park, which has put forward an alternative scheme next week.
Cllr Lovelock said: “The Master Plan is constantly evolving and we are keen to talk to them, particularly about redeveloping Queen’s Walk and the back of the Broad Street Mall. But their plans to move the civic offices to the back of the site have come two years too late.”
Exhibition dates
Thursdsay: Kennet Room, Civic Centre, Dusseldorf Way, Reading, 2pm-7pm.
Friday-Monday (exlcuding Sunday): Kennet Room, Civic Centre, Dusseldorf Way, Reading 10am-5pm.
Tuesday-February 12: The Hexagon, Queens Walk, Reading, during opening hours.
February 13-18: Central Library, King’s Road, Reading, during opening hours.
Visit www.reading.gov.uk/civicarea or contact 0118 939 0125.
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