Pictured above: (l-r) Andrew Hayward, Brownhill Hayward Brown Ltd; Mark Williams, Brownhill Hayward Brown Ltd; Malcolm Atherton, Ereconomic Construction Ltd; Doreen Mooney, New Heights Community Project; Ian Ball, Ereconomic Construction Ltd and Fr Michael White, New Heights Community Project

Leading Midland architects Brownhill Hayward Brown have completed the first phase of an innovative 'energy conscious' community centre in Kingstanding, Birmingham.

The New Heights Community Project adjacent to Christ the King Catholic Church in Warren Farm Road has been designed to exceed current building standards in terms of insulation and will utilise sustainable energy sources such solar and ground source heat.

Mark Williams, Associate Director with Lichfield-based Brownhill Hayward Brown said: "These renewable energy sources will provide both heat and power for the 360msq community project and as a result the building will have a dramatically reduced carbon footprint and benefit from very low running costs."

Mark added: "There were many challenging elements, not least the requirements for the size of the site. Over time the specifications evolved, resulting in a building of exceptional quality both in terms of design and energy conservation. We are delighted to have had the opportunity to work on such an important community initiative."

The £545,000, multi-purpose centre which is being built by Wolverhampton-based Ereconomic Construction comprises a spacious hall, meeting room, office, kitchen and large storage area.

Other special features include rainwater harvesting and a passive ventilation system.

The New Heights project will benefit the whole of the local community in and around Kingstanding and will act as a 'vehicle' for protecting the interests of disadvantaged, marginalised and under-represented groups and individuals.

Doreen Mooney, New Heights Development Co-ordinator said: "We have needed a facility like this for such a long time; it is fantastic to see it taking shape. It will be managed by the community for the benefit of the community giving people an opportunity to take responsibility and to make decisions for themselves."

The project, which is scheduled for completion in December, has been funded by a variety of donations including a £271,150 grant from The Big Lottery. Other funders include Veolia Environmental Trust, Wren Foundation, Henry Smith Charity, Clothworkers'Foundation. BIFFAward and Weston Garfield Foundation.