St Neots business building wins prestigious award

THE �2million flagship Creative Exchange in St Neots, completed only last November, has already won a prestigious award. The contemporary four-storey building for creative business, in the Longsands school campus, has been awarded Best Sustainable Develop

THE �2million flagship Creative Exchange in St Neots, completed only last November, has already won a prestigious award.

The contemporary four-storey building for creative business, in the Longsands school campus, has been awarded Best Sustainable Development for the region in the Local Authority Building Control East Anglia Building Excellence Awards.

Throughout the building process the timber products used were all sourced from Forest Stewardship Council-certified suppliers, who promote the responsible management of the world's forests, said Huntingdonshire District Council, which operates the building.

"During development, maximum use has been made of natural light throughout," a spokesman added. "The floor space is split into communal and workspace areas, meeting rooms, conference facilities and exhibition space which are available to hire.

"Under-floor heating is provided and a below-ground duct brings fresh air in from the outside. Solar thermal panels mounted on the roof heat the water, and the green roof provides natural insulation."

INFORMATION: HDC is setting up a creative network for all local businesses working within the creative industries sector. Contact Nicole Giddings on 01480 223450. The building has also been entered for the Royal Institute of British Architects Awards.