Dinton Pastures' new multi-million pound activity centre reached a major milestone on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 January, as modules were lifted into place at the borough’s first net zero carbon building. The centre is set to open its doors to visitors in late spring.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We’re extremely pleased with the progress being made as the new building takes shape. With the centre’s lakeside views, wonderful watersports facilities, fully accessible changing facilities and coffee shop, we can’t wait to open our doors to residents later this year.”
Seventy-five per cent of the new Dinton Activity Centre building was completed offsite using modern methods of construction by modular building specialist Reds10. Modular construction significantly reduces the carbon emissions in the construction process. This supports the council’s mission to make Wokingham a carbon neutral borough by 2030.
The new building features several eco-friendly functions including; windcatchers and solar panels on the roof, and air source heat pumps, which will significantly reduce the overall energy demand. The outer building’s Siberian larch cladding, will not only weathers over time to blend with its natural surroundings, but is also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
The two-storey centre will also include an activity hall, coffee shop, lake side terrace, meeting rooms, ‘changing spaces’ facility and cycle parking. The new centre is expected to open in spring 2021.
The modular units are constructed in the Reds10 factory in Driffield Yorkshire, with 16 modular frames being built and transported to Dinton Pastures Country Park and then lifted into place.
Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see us move one-step closer to our ambition of being carbon neutral by 2030. Not only will the activity centre provide the community with state-of-the art facilities, but it will also be our first energy positive building.”
Michael Ruddick, Director at Reds10 said: “This is a significant project that supports Wokingham Borough Council’s ambition to meet its zero carbon targets. To support this, the Activity Centre incorporates state of the technology and boasts a design that truly complements the surrounds it sits in. It’s fantastic to see the project’s progress and look forward to seeing the positive impact it is set to have on the area.”
Alex Pullin, Project Architect at HLM Architects, said, “We’ve designed this new centre with the community’s needs at the front and centre. Working closely with the team the design sensitively sits within the natural landscape while creating a sense of place and having a positive impact on future users.”
Photo credit: HLM Architects
