Hilary Benn MP

WORKING HARD FOR LEEDS CENTRAL

HILARY BENN UNVEILS HOMEGROWN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

October the launch of Greenhouse, the UK's most pioneering low-carbon development - a first for Leeds which attracted a massive turnout from local businesses and community minded individuals who gathered to watch as local MP Hilary Benn officially unveiled the plaque.

From Friday through to Saturday evening, visitors mused around the onsite gallery which showcased a range of local talent, and mingled amongst ethical market stalls, before the 2010 plaque - a replica of the original, was unveiled.

Citu, the Leeds based developer behind Greenhouse is devoted to supporting the growth of the Beeston community, an element of the development which was highlighted by it's search for local creative talent. Alongside opportunities to showcase existing work, local artists and designers entered a 'concept' competition with the chance to create bespoke pieces to be incorporated into the development.

Competition was fierce with incredible concepts from a  variety of very talented artists, photographers and designers – so much so the prize was expanded to include the work of 3 winners:  Origami artist Giles Edsall,  furniture designer Laura Wellington and wildlife illustrator Hannah Jones, who is also a Greenhouse resident.

Giles commented “coming from an ecologically minded household, I can see the necessity and importance of Greenhouse both to the community and from an artists perspective, it's important that everyone does their bit to preserve the world.”

Studio space has also been awarded to photographers Luke Musharbash and Daniel Therbon who also exhibited over the weekend, giving them the chance to showcase a wider portfolio of work at Greenhouse, offering even more opportunities for exposure.

The first of what will become an annual event celebrating Beeston's regeneration, took local community members as well as potential residents on an access all areas tour of the development to see exactly how the eco-ethos of the building is embedded into every aspect, from the sun being used to heat hot water, wind being used to power lights and lifts, and rain and waste water being recycled to flush toilets.

Formerly Shaftesbury house, Greenhouse has been transformed by local developers Citu, who's commitment to sustainability, as Hilary Benn noted “lives and breathes in every square inch of the development. Citu came along with a twenty-first century vision, which has now been realised, which is exactly why Greenhouse is such a successful development – you come here and see what is happening now, a project which has regenerated Beeston – turning it into a happening place”.

Keeping it local, Citu sourced a variety of 'homegrown' eco-driven businesses to showcase at the events, including the Ginetta G50EV, Yorkshire’s very own home grown electric car success story. The working two-seater sports car prototype is capable of 120 mph and has a range of 250 miles on a full charge. It’s three batteries and motor deliver power directly to the rear wheels maintaining the ‘fun factor’ of the petrol-powered equivalent.

A selection of market stalls selling handmade and locally sourced products kept visitors engaged between tours, stall holders included: Judith Smith with a selection of handmade jewellery, Riverford Home Delivery with a selection of organic produce, Beeston in Bloom and Holbeck Gala who supplied a selection of cakes, cards, homemade jams, and foliage, alongside handmade goods and art prints from Clare's Creations, Hannah Jones, Becky Bruton and Jacky Rough. Greenbean cars – Leeds' new eco-friendly private hire taxi service, were also on hand to transport a selection of guests to Greenhouse.

Chris Thompson, Managing Director of Citu, said: “the launch has generated an incredible community feel around Greenhouse – something we wish to develop further. We're excited about working with the concept winners to develop bespoke artistic feature pieces to give Greenhouse further individuality and support creative talent from across the region.”

Anyone who missed out on the weekend's activities can  find out more by visiting http://www.greenhouseleeds.co.uk/ or email chris@citu.co.uk.

Greenhouse is located on Beeston Road, and comprises of 166 studio, one, two and three bedroom homes, together with offices, a free onsite gym, cafe, landscaped gardens and courtyard.