An innovative ‘green’ building is being developed in Rotherham that will provide budding entrepreneurs with the right location to launch and grow their businesses from.

The £5m start-up business centre, which is the latest flagship initiative by Rotherham Investment & Development Office (RiDO), the council’s regeneration arm, will create a dynamic landmark right in the heart of the town’s new advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors.

Situated next to Magna Science and Adventure Centre on the site of the former Templeborough Rolling Mill, the development will have ‘living walls’, created by steel trelliswork with climbing plants, and a green roof.

RiDO’s business development manager Tim O’Connell said: “Although this concept is fairly widespread in Europe, it’s still quite new in the UK. We set the pace with our environmental approach at Moorgate Crofts Business Centre and are now taking this to the next level.

“The façade greening, roof and additional landscaping will help to reduce the energy loss of the building and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It also means there’s an opportunity to collect and reuse rainwater.”

The green technology provides protection from ultra-violet radiation and insulation from temperature extremes, improving durability and reducing the centre’s running costs.

The project will also play an important role in the regeneration of the area, which stretches from junction 34 on the M1 right through to Rotherham Town Centre. And although it uses the very latest technology, two of the original large metal chimneys, are being integrated into the scheme as a permanent reminder of its industrial past.

The 2,500 sq m centre is being built by the council’s strategic construction partner, Rotherham Construction partnership. It will include a number of offices and small workshops that will be ideal for start-ups from high-growth sectors, such as creative and digital, as well as advanced metals and manufacturing. In addition there will be dedicated units for Youth Enterprise. Companies will benefit from on-site business advisers, access to training, marketing expertise and links to partner organisations and networking opportunities.

Tim O’Connell said: “We’re particularly excited about this new development, which builds on the success of our other centres, helping to ensure that we create a vibrant and dynamic business community that adds real value to the town.”

Building work starts this month and the centre is due to open in April 2008. Businesses that would like more information can contact business centre manager Amanda Parris on (01709) 300100.

Email: lizs@getvital.co.uk

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