The Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Tony French, has opened a pioneering new low carbon Energy Centre at Graylingwell Park in Chichester, the UK’s largest carbon neutral development.

The gas-powered Energy Centre will provide heating and hot water for all 750 homes at Graylingwell Park, while also supplying electricity to the National Grid. It is the dual generation of both heat and electricity from the same source that makes the Energy Centre extremely efficient and is a significant factor in achieving Graylingwell Park’s net zero carbon status.

It has been developed and delivered by Regeneco, part of the Galliford Try Group, who will undertake the energy services on behalf of the Graylingwell Park Partnership. Regeneco will operate, manage and maintain the Energy Centre and the associated infrastructure on a 25-year contract.

The Energy Centre, which adjoins the historic water tower, comprises four 1.1 megawatt hot water boilers, two 500 kilowatt combined heat and power engines and two 48,000 litre thermal stores. Heat and hot water is centrally stored before it is pumped around the development through an 8km network of highly insulated underground pipes, thereby removing the need for residents to own their own boilers, eliminating the associated maintenance costs. Instead, each home is fitted with a meter that is connected to the heat exchanger and automatically records and delivers data on the amount of heat and hot water that has been used. This is then added to the fixed service charge and calculated into a monthly bill.

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If there is a fault with any part of the Energy Centre, an alarm is automatically generated through various channels of communication including text message and email and is sent to Regeneco, who will ensure any issues are rectified within stipulated timescales.

Jointly developed by Linden Homes and Affinity Sutton, in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency, Graylingwell Park is set within 85 acres of exceptional parkland, less than a mile from the town centre. Once complete, it will provide 750 homes and a superb range of community facilities.

The Mayor of Chichester, Councillor Tony French, said: "I'm very proud to officially open the Energy Centre at Graylingwell Park; this is an important scheme for Chichester and we’re particularly proud that it’s leading the way in delivering this type of energy efficient development. Our congratulations go to all the partners and the way they have consulted and listened to the local residents in shaping both the homes and the amenities that the development is providing."

(CD)