Published: Wednesday, 17th October, 2007 12:30
£5.5m plan for 'green' complex in Alloa
By Hamish Hutchinson
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PLANS for a state-of-the-art £5.5 million “green” leisure and office complex for Alloa have been lodged with the council.
Local business Acorne Properties Ltd hopes to create the facility at the defunct Claremont Industrial Estate in Ludgate.
Planning officers received the application this week and, if approved, it would be one of the most environmentally friendly structures in Clackmannanshire reaching an excellent BREEAM rating.
BRE Environmental Assessment Method is the world’s most widely-used environmental assessment method for buildings.
The Alloa plans include: a restaurant; an extensively equipped spa facility with swimming pool, steam room and sauna; treatment rooms for alternative health therapies such as for a chiropractor and reflexology; a gym with the state-of-the-art training equipment.
Due to structural instability the present office blocks at the site would be demolished but the new construction, which would incorporate the former Victorian infant school would be retained.
Acorne Properties Ltd has been working with Edinburgh-based Gaia Architects to design an energy efficient and sustainable development.
Gaia are specialists in the concept of “eco-minimalism” and past projects include a low allergen housing development in Perth for Fairfield Housing Co-operative.
Andy Small, director of Acorne Properties Ltd, said, “We chose the site at Ludgate as we felt it was perfect for our ideas – to build something that would make a positive impact to the environment and the design and construction industry.
“We chose a sustainable development as it incapsulates and improves the physical environment, social environment and economic atmosphere.
“We hope to prove to other developers that buildings can be constructed in this way and still make a profit.”
In keeping with its green ethos, as many materials as possible would be used from the demolished office blocks in the construction of the four-storey complex.
The building would also use natural light, via a central glass biosphere and sun channels, and a dynamic air ventilation system to reduce energy.
As well as creating a sustainable build, if approved, the development will create jobs in the restaurant, spa and gym.
The building will include office space for up to 20 small units to purchase – with flexibility in their sizes – and the offices will be carbon neutral enabling businesses to be eligible for green tax credits.
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