Eco Centre
The main office for Groundwork working in South Tyneside and Newcastle is located at a purpose built Eco Centre. The building which opened in 1996 incorporates up to date sustainable construction methods for the offices, and also provides quality tenancies for local start-up and SME businesses, along with support of local jobs, job creation and social enterprises.
The Eco Centre developed by the trust is constructed from materials recycled from sustainable sources, including re-used bricks from a demolished factory, an aluminium roof re-smelted from old drink cans, wood from farmed forests and woollen carpets. Electricity is generated by a wind turbine and photovoltaic display.
In 2005 the facilities were improved with the provision of a new entrance, which features low voltage lighting and other energy saving initiatives.
This award winning project has become an exemplar of sustainability and of what Local Agenda 21 and the issues of sustainability represent. Furthermore, it provides an ongoing income from the tenancies, which helps to assist the Trust in its ongoing neighbourhood initiatives.
The scheme attracted funding from over twenty separate funding streams, including European money, public and private sector donations and a bank loan. Groundwork has been involved with 77 businesses since the Eco Centre opened.
For more information email eco.centre@groundwork.org.uk
