The award winning iCon Environmental Innovation Centre is opening its doors to interested businesses.

Show units are now available to view at the under construction building in Daventry, Northamptonshire, which will be open for business in April 2011. Specialising in green technologies and sustainable construction, the iCon offers office accommodation and a supportive environment for firms at the forefront of the low carbon economy. The landmark building includes 55 business units, alongside a conference centre for up to 300 people, exhibition space and a café. Specialist support will be available to all tenants, with expert business advisors located on site.

David Walker, Chairman of iCon East Midlands said: “The green agenda is changing the way the world does business. This is resulting in a range of new products, services and technologies in sectors ranging from construction to information technology. The iCon is a prestigious but affordable home for the businesses that are behind these innovations.

“But the iCon is more than just an office location - it is an international focal point for the low carbon economy. Over years to come, it will house an exciting business community, providing a hub for networking, business development and cutting edge research”

Offices range from 162 ft² to 836 ft² and are available on short term, practical tenancy agreements - providing the freedom and flexibility that small start-up businesses require. The building itself is a recognised exemplar of progressive design and energy efficiency and has a number of low carbon design features, including a natural ventilation system, exhaust air heat pumps, and ‘phase change’ panels in the ceiling that can absorb or emit heat, depending on the temperature

The central atrium will act as a heat store during winter and provide ventilation in the summer. Its roof is made of an inflatable plastic ‘ETFE’ membrane, a high performance material which has been used on acclaimed developments including the Eden project and Beijing Watercube.

The iCon has already been the recipient of two design awards, collecting a Green Apple Award for Architecture and the Built Environment in June 2010, as well as a Milton Keynes South Midlands Excellence Award in December 2010. Funding for the project has been obtained from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC). Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council have donated the land for the project.

An organisation known as iCon East Midlands has been set up to manage the day to day running of iCon once it is operational. The organisation includes representatives of the key funders as well as The University of Northampton.

Visit the iCon team at ECOBUILD – stand n120

To find out more visit www.icon-innovation.co.uk

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