One of the city’s most popular business parks could get a new greener, more eco-friendly block for business start-ups to thrive.
A planning application to build a new office building and four industrial units at City Business Park in Stoke has been submitted and it includes:
• 18,000 square feet of office space over two floors
• just over 2,000 square feet of light industrial space
• associated parking, cafe, landscaping and amenity space.
The proposed office space will offer flexible workspaces aimed at start-up businesses and it is estimated it could pave the way for around 150 jobs on site.
The new building is being designed with the environment in mind and will have features aimed at reducing energy consumption in both construction and day to day use.
Air-source heat pumps will provide heat energy and PV panels will generate on-site energy.
Low water consumption toilet and washing facilities and low energy consumption fittings will be specified to ensure that the building is as frugal as possible in its consumption of water and energy.
Sustainable Urban Drainage strategies will ensure surface water will be managed to reduce pressure on the local sewer systems.
Hybrid ventilation will be utilised to provide heat recovery on cooler days and natural and mechanical ventilation to maintain comfortable internal temperatures during warmer days.
Night-time purge cooling and thermal mass of the concrete elements will help the building to maintain even and consistent temperatures and construction materials have all been carefully selected on their quality, durability, performance, embodied carbon, lifespan, and cost.
The scheme will also include cycle facilities, EV charge points and car-share bays to encourage businesses and visitors to get into greener more sustainable transport habits.
Earlier this year the park’s former computer complex was demolished. The council was awarded funding from the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership Getting Building Fund to help pay for the demolition as well as the feasibility and design development of the new building.
Council leader Nick Kelly said:
“City Business Park has been one of our economic success stories and we want to keep it that way.
“We are committed to helping businesses – particularly at sites such as this where small companies can bounce ideas off each other and build invaluable connections.
“If we get planning permission it will help us build a case for further funding and we are keen to make sure that the building design helps the businesses, visitors and the city do its bit to protect the environment.”
It is expected that the project will cost in the region of £6.5m. The council is hoping to secure some funding through Central Government pots such as the ‘UK Shared Prosperity Fund’ which is expected to be announced in the November.
