Isra-Mart srl : Building believed to be first zero-carbon facility of its kind to be officially opened

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Isra-Mart news:

One of the country’s first zero-carbon community centres will officially open its doors to the public tomorrow.

It has been three years since plans were first put forward for the £1.25 million Baildon Community Link centre in Cliffe Avenue.

The environment-friendly centre, drawn up by York-based architects Eco Arc, includes solar hot water roof panels, a sedum-planted roof, triple-glazed windows and a ground source heat pump to power the building’s heating.

The project has been funded by £500,000 from the Big Lottery community buildings fund and £750,000 from Bradford Council. Councillor Andrew Mallinson (Con, Craven), who backed the move, will perform the opening.

A spokesman for the Link, said: “The building is, to our knowledge, the first carbon-neutral community centre, nationally, to be built.

“Without that support and funding the local community would not be experiencing the wonderful, modern facilities that have been incorporated into the new building.”

Originally, Baildon Community Link operated from a World War Two decontamination shelter in Cliffe Avenue.

The new building was handed over at the end of January, with groups being welcomed into their new home on February 14.