Work to construct the AMP at Arnold Market Place is continuing and the latest additions to the site are 51 solar panels as part of the scheme’s plans to be more sustainable and use renewable energy sources.

The building has been designed to use less energy, use more renewable energy and reduce its CO2 emissions.

The two storey building will have a number of energy efficient designs including the solar panels, natural ventilation points, high efficiency LED lighting and systems that are more sustainable such as air source heat pumps.

The 51 solar panels on the roof of the building will help generate an estimated annual yield of 14,924 kWh of power to the units, saving energy costs for the tenants while providing clean, renewable energy.

The building will also be fitted with rainwater retention tanks that will be used to reduce flood risks and feed the semi-mature trees that will be planted around the public realm to offset carbon emissions.

Gedling Borough Council has made a commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 and some of the measures in the council’s action plan include installing more solar panels on council buildings and promoting more sustainable energy options to developers when approving planning applications.

The AMP is being constructed by developers G F Tomlinson.

Revitalising the town centre

Up to £4 million has been allocated to the project as part of the council’s plan to revitalise the centre and create a new space that will help boost visitors to the town centre and support local businesses.

Funding for this project is coming from the council’s capital programme budget, boosted by a successful bid for £1.25 million from the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund that supports town centre improvements. The project will create around 40 new jobs through business employment and through the construction of the new buildings.

A new public space will be created as a central focal point for The AMP and will provide seven small outlets for local independent businesses with flexible space above, which could be used for a variety of commercial options.

The council has received a number of enquiries from local start ups and enterprises due to the competitive rental rates and business support being offered. More details about the new tenants will be announced in the coming weeks.

Craig Stopper, Regional Construction framework Manager at G F Tomlinson, said:

“The installation of solar panels as the latest stage of The AMP project is wonderful to see – and will significantly reduce energy costs for the building’s tenants as well as contribute towards Gedling Borough Council’s pledge to decrease its CO2 emissions.

“We’re really pleased to see the works at The AMP progress well and helping Gedling Borough Council act on its carbon reduction targets is exciting for us. By procuring the project through the Scape Regional Construction framework, Gedling Borough Council has also gained additional benefits for the local community through G F Tomlinson completing additional social value work for the nearby Gedling Youth Centre as part of this scheme.

The AMP represents a huge investment for the local area – it will be an exciting new retail and community space for Arnold’s residents and visitors to enjoy.”

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said:

“The AMP is a landmark building for many reasons but an important one is that it is future proof in terms of it being a sustainable, energy efficient operation. The solar panels will not only provide clean, renewable energy, it will also reduce the energy costs for the tenants, which could not come at a better time for people who are seeing their bills rise.

We are committed to reducing our CO2 emissions and we have made a pledge to do everything we can to encourage developers to build smarter and cleaner and so we are very proud that our own building will set a high standard for clean, efficient and renewable energy.”