New ‘eco offices’ for Church of England in Notts

A new 'Eco friendly' mission centre has been given the green light by leaders of the Church of England in Nottinghamshire.

The new offices and conference accommodation will be built on land near the current offices across the road from Southwell Minster and will be funded partly through the sale of the present listed offices, which will be restored and converted to apartments.

The Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler, welcomed the new plans and said: "This is an exciting project as we build for the future and make a positive contribution to the architecture and impact in historic Southwell. The building is all about resourcing the mission of the church and supporting the vital work our parish churches do in local communities with all those in need of our love, care and help in both spiritual and practical ways."

Construction is due to start in January 2012 and the offices, on three levels will be built into sloping land at the side of the current offices. The new building, which will cost approx £3m (coming from current diocesan investments and the sale of the present offices), will bring together diocesan staff and bishops in shared open plan offices, as well as providing meeting and small conference rooms. The building will include many energy saving features that will reduce the energy demand, with very high levels of insulation, the maximum use of natural daylight and natural ventilation, and low energy light fittings. The design includes flat green roofs that will enhance biodiversity and provide an attractive roofscape.

Nick Keightley, Director of Nottingham based Maber Architects said: "We’re very pleased to be working with the Diocese on this project which will enhance the local environment by replacing the present unattractive extension. The new offices will be discreetly built into the hillside and framed by the existing mature trees which will remain an important part of the landscape."

Leader of Southwell Town Council & District Councillor Peter Harris said: "We're delighted to see that contractors are starting work very soon. This will be an important building for the town - keeping the diocesan offices here employing a large number of local people and attracting more visitors to this Cathedral Minster town.”

Talking about the development in a time of economic downturn, Diocesan Chief Executive, Nigel Spraggins, said: “These new offices are an opportunity for us to invest in the local economy, as we aim to use local contractors and source as many materials locally as possible.”

Planning permission for the building was granted in the summer, but the final go-ahead for the building was unanimously agreed at a meeting of directors of the diocese last week.

Further information and photographs of the new building are available on the website: www.southwell.anglican.org

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