Net zero community hub taking shape in Ross On Wye

A NEW community hub in Ross on Wye is set to generate all the energy it needs when it opens this winter.

It’s one of the final community facilities to be provided by the Edenstone Group as part of the St Mary’s Garden Village development.

Operations director Chris Edge explained: “As part of our commitment to creating sustainable communities, we aim to provide neighbourhood facilities at the earliest opportunity. The great thing about this building is that it’s designed to be carbon net zero. It should produce all the energy it requires and feed back any surplus into the grid.”

William Henderson, who lives at St Mary’s Garden Village with his family, added: “I've been in my new home for a year now and have watched the Edenstone Group build a beautiful area to live in. Like other residents, I’ve been watching in anticipation since work on the community hub began in September. I’ve been documenting progress on the wider development, including photographing the hub as it’s being built so people can see how our community is growing. The roof of the community hub is now on and we can’t wait for it to open.”

Eco-friendly features of the new building include 14 PV roof tiles to solar charge the 7.68 kwh of batteries, with Wondrwall to run services in the community hub. The gas-free property will include infrared panel heaters and a smart control system.

Externally there will be an electric car charging point and bike hire for residents to enjoy.

The community hub will offer around 140 square metres of space including kitchen, utility, gym, three toilets, including one disabled, and open space for various groups to utilise.

“The community hub will be a real focal point for the new neighbourhood, providing a home for a variety of activities. Residents have already expressed an interest in hosting toddler groups and knit and natter sessions, amongst other things,” Chris added.

“There’s already a strong sense of community among residents of St Mary’s Garden Village, thanks in part to the facilities we’ve provided and this is set to grow once the community hub opens.  Our younger residents have been making good use of the play area and kickabout area, which have been open for well over a year. The wetlands, ponds and formal gardens are great spaces for a stroll and quiet reflection while getting back to nature close to home. Allotments were snapped up so quickly we’ve made plans to create more so that residents can enjoy growing their own produce without having to forego some of their garden space.”

St Mary’s Garden Village will eventually feature 348 homes. The new community features the Edenstone Group’s two housing brands – Edenstone Homes and Bluebell Homes.

For the latest availability and pricing see www.edenstonehomes.com/st-marys-garden-village, or www.bluebellhomes.co.uk/stmarys.