Solihull Council is sharing design concepts for a new Energy Centre to be sited next to Tudor Grange Leisure Centre.
The Energy Centre will be the beating heart of a planned network which will generate and deliver affordable low carbon heat and power to Solihull town centre buildings.
Utilising a range of renewable and low carbon energy solutions, including Air Source Heat Pumps and Gas Combined Heat and Power, the Energy Centre will be able to provide heat and power to nearby public and private sector customers, including council owned buildings, education campuses and commercial offices.
This scheme forms part of a wider strategic approach Solihull Council is developing to decarbonise the borough over the next twenty years.
Residents are being asked to view and comment on the proposed designs ahead of a formal planning application being submitted in late February.
The proposals show a two storey building on land next to Tudor Grange Leisure Centre. The building is nestled within the corner of the site amongst the mature tree line of the nearby railway embankment. Responding to the landscape, care has been taken to ensure material choices will help the building blend within its natural surroundings.
The design allows members of the public to see into parts of the building while the perforated cladding breaks up the architectural form and reflects the nearby natural tree foliage.
The proposals also include plans to formalise the existing footpath adjacent to the Energy Centre. This will allow passers-by to look into the building and improve the existing landscaping and connectivity across the site.
You can view the proposed designs and share your thoughts by visiting the council’s website https://www.solihull.gov.uk/Planning-and-building-control/Solihull-town-centre-energy-network
The designs on show have been developed by the council’s in house architectural design team, Building Design Studio in consultation with Sustainable Energy Limited, who have been appointed as technical advisors on the project.
Cllr Andy Mickiewicz, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Planning & Housing said:
“I’m really excited to be sharing these designs for this innovative project.
“I think the proposed designs of the Energy Centre do a fantastic job of showcasing and promoting the renewable and low carbon technology being used, while allowing the building to sit comfortably within the context of the surrounding site and landscape.
“With strong connections to so many fantastic local schools and colleges I’m also really enthusiastic about the educational opportunities this scheme can provide.
“In Solihull 57% of our greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy we use in our buildings. The Energy Centre will provide a unique opportunity to distribute low carbon and affordable heating across Solihull town centre, reducing building energy emissions while providing customers with a highly efficient and affordable heat supply.
“As a Council we have committed ourselves to playing our part in tackling the climate change emergency. Through our ambitious Net Zero Action Plan we are developing a strategic approach to the challenge of decarbonising the borough over the next twenty years. Innovative schemes like this will have a significant role to play in helping us to achieve our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2041. As well as considering renewable energy schemes we are also looking at how we can support the transition to electric vehicles, the role we can play in offsetting (such as tree planting) and the development of new skills required as a result of new technologies and innovation.
“I’d encourage residents to take a look at the proposed Energy Centre designs on our website and share their thoughts with us.”
