Bicester’s Eco Business Centre is in the running for a national award, recognising its environmental credentials alongside the value it brings to the local economy.
The Eco Business Centre, in North West Bicester, was developed by Cherwell District Council and is an exemplar in sustainability. It is zero carbon and is the first non-residential Passivhaus Plus building in the UK, a rigorous standard for energy efficiency, quality and comfort.
Opened in September last year, the building is managed by Town Square Spaces Ltd and provides a base for businesses, as well as a coworking space for local people to network and share ideas.
The Royal Town Planning Institute have shortlisted the innovative building in their ‘Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy’ category.
Cllr Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration and property said:
“being nominated for such a prestigious award is a real honour. When the Eco Business Centre was first conceived, we wanted a building with the highest standards of energy efficiency, but also an environment where people genuinely wanted to work from.
“There are now 11 companies operating out of the Eco Business Centre, each bringing valuable jobs to the local economy. It also provides an excellent base for the growing number of self-employed residents to work from, retaining a wealth of creativity and expertise to the region.
“This plays an important part in delivering Bicester’s garden town principles, giving members of the community access to good local jobs in a healthy environment.”
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry. Running for over 40 years, they celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.
RTPI President Sue Manns FRTPI said:
“Many congratulations to all the finalists at this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, representing the very best of our profession from not only all the RTPI’s regions and nations but also from countries around the globe.
“These outstanding projects, teams and individuals show how planning can have a positive effect on our communities and the environment and how planners can use their expertise and enthusiasm to create inclusive, happy and healthy places and spaces for ourselves and for future generations.
“I wish them all the best of the luck at the ceremony on 30 April.”
Image Credit: Architype
