White River Place shortlisted for national sustainability award
St Austell’s new shopping centre has this week been shortlisted for a national property award for sustainability. The Property Week Awards 2010 have shortlisted White River Place - amongst national property heavyweights including British Land and international shopping centre developer, Lend Lease - for the Sustainability Achievement award. The winner is to be announced in April at a formal ceremony in London.
The scheme was recognised, amongst other factors, for its focus on reducing excess travel and transport emissions: local stone was used, bricks came from neighbouring Devon, and concrete blocks were sourced from St Austell using secondary aggregate from local china clay waste. The development plans specified the use of Western Red Cedar timber, which was sourced in the South West rather than in Canada, as is more common for developments of this scale. The timber was all certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and was milled with a biodiesel powered saw mill at a local timber yard.
Sean Finlay, Director of White River Developments, the owners of the centre, comments: "Sustainability was always a key consideration for White River Place. From the start we aimed for a BREEAM "Very Good" rating and were really pleased to secure one better with an "Excellent" accreditation. This was a major achievement for a regional shopping centre and it’s testament to everyone involved that it has been highlighted on the Property Week Awards’ shortlist."
Caron Thompson from The Eden Project, who worked with the developers at White River Place adds: "The level of sustainability at White River Place is exceptional. The whole team went the extra mile to ensure it was sustainable across a wide agenda including local sourcing, training and community involvement. I am proud to have been part of the team and I am delighted to hear that it has been recognised on a national scale in this way."