OXFORDSHIRE is now home to what could be the UK’s first eco-friendly business centre.

A ‘landmark'’ business centre opened its doors in Bicester last week which has achieved the Passivhaus Plus standard for energy efficiency.

This means that thanks to renewable sources, the centre uses less energy than it creates on-site, meaning it is carbon neutral and self-sufficient.

The building on Charlotte Avenue in Bicester’s eco village, Elmsbrook, is designed by Architype and is said to be the first non-domestic property in the UK to achieve the status.

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Local residents and interested parties were invited to go in and view the space last Thursday, as well as learn about the services and opportunities it will provide.

Oxford Mail:

The 'innovative' building, which took eleven months to build, comprises of co-working space and serviced offices for teams of five to fourteen people over three floors and accommodates up to 125 people.

Town Square Spaces Ltd has been selected by Cherwell District Council to manage and run the centre.

They will provide office and co-working space, giving a unique place for start-ups and small businesses to grow.

As well as being available for meetings and events, the centre will look to grow and support a community of founders, freelancers and entrepreneurs, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

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Oxford Mail:

Gareth Jones, a co-founder of Town Squares Spaces Ltd, said: “As well as exceeding tough environmental standards, the Centre provides its own natural airflow, automatically opening vents and windows as needed - it’s a building that breathes.

"As a B Corp, it is important to us that we practice what we preach, and we believe there are an increasing number of companies and freelancers that realise they are responsible for the environment we leave for future generations.

“The Eco Business Centre is an option for people who feel frustrated that they can’t work responsibly and sustainably.”

Developed by Cherwell District Council and supported by European Regional Development Funding, the structure in Elmsbrook forms part of the zero-carbon community in NW Bicester.

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Led by A2 Dominion, the community provides new housing alongside employment, showing how new buildings can help to reduce carbon emissions and support efforts to address the climate change emergency.

Cherwell District Council’s lead member for economy, regeneration and property, Councillor Lynn Pratt said: “I am thrilled to see the Eco Business Centre up and running.

Oxford Mail:

“It is a very special building, giving small businesses and individuals a place to grow together in a creative and healthy environment.

“It shows you don’t need to commute into London or Birmingham each day, adding valuable time onto your day, reducing the stress of commuting and doing your bit for action on climate change.”

Despite only opening its doors last week, 25 per cent of space has already been reserved by companies.

For more information on the Eco Business Centre, contact the Community Manager on lucy@thetownsquare.co.uk.