New Arrivals Centre Technology Units Four Hectare Expansion New Headquarters

Rationale:

Determined to lead by example, Kent Science Park is considering the submission of a detailed planning application to construct a new entrance – the Arrivals Centre – that is innovative in design, welcoming and environmentally friendly.

The existing Gatehouse does not do justice to the many exciting businesses at Kent Science Park and misses an opportunity to properly introduce visitors on arrival. 

First impressions count but this development is much more than just making a cosmetic change.

It is an integral part of the drive to reduce the Park’s energy consumption and is in keeping with the environmental ethos of the managers, tenant companies and suppliers.

Purpose:

The new Arrivals Centre will be a gateway to more than 80 companies based at the science park and provide an attractive entrance for the 1,000 people who work at the Park and those who visit daily to do business.

 The existing gatehouse - constructed by Shell in 1985 - will be replaced with a new home for the 24-hour security team, CCTV surveillance and the Park’s facilities management team.   It will also feature a new marketing suite showcasing the Park and its facilities to prospective tenants.

Site and location:

It is proposed to locate the new building adjacent to the existing road to efficiently manage incoming vehicles, provide an improved outlook and ensure the building benefits from passive solar gain and reduces its energy consumption. 

The proposed building would be 26.5m long and 12.5m wide and varies in height from 4 to 5m with a curved “green” roof.

The relocation of the Arrivals Centre to the area currently used for short-term car parking will mean that the overall amount of parking to be provided will be slightly reduced from 42 to 38, inclusive of disabled parking.

The proposed parking outside of the secure perimeter is designed to accommodate short-stay parking for people who are conducting security clearance procedures or making short visits to the park; therefore turnover of parking spaces is frequent. 

The new building will include designated disabled parking close to the entrance.

Jobs:

The Arrivals Building when finished and ready for occupation will be home to 14 employees.

Investment:

The development of the Arrivals Centre will require an investment of £1.5m.

Design and sustainability:

The proposed building will use sustainable building materials and techniques and incorporate a wildflower meadow covered roof consisting of grasses and flowers native to the local area.

The new accommodation will have super insulated walls and openable vents to allow natural ventilation and windows and roof lights to maximise natural day lighting and reduce energy consumption.

The design of the proposed new building, has been audited by leading sustainability consultants and it is hoped the final construction will achieve a ‘very good’ environmental performance rating.

The green roof will not only be visually attractive, but will also provide ecological benefits as a potential habitat for local wildlife.  It will absorb a large amount of rainfall and therefore reduce pressure on surface water drainage. The curving roofs will also project to provide shading from the sun and negate the need for air conditioning.

Using FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited timber cladding, with plans to source it locally, the Control Room at the front of the building will have solid laminate panels to provide a robust finish adjacent to the road.

In a further move to reduce its environmental impact, all paints, stains, transparent finishes and adhesives used on the building will have none or be low in VOC (volatile organic compounds).

To save on water usage, all toilets will be low/dual water flush in design and taps and showerheads will be water efficient.

Timetable:

If the application is granted permission, construction is expected to begin in September 2008 with a view to commissioning by Easter 2009.