Hobson & Porter, Innovation based on tradition

A new church and community centre is laying claim to be one of the greenest buildings in Hull. Instead of a traditional spire, Hull Community Church has 30 solar panels on its roof. Believed to be the largest solar powered system in the city, the panels help generate electricity for the building. Inside the impressive new venue at the junction of Newland Avenue and Cottingham Road in west Hull, the environmentally friendly theme continues. All the window frames are made from timber instead of plastic, the toilets are fitted with a dry-flushing system to reduce water consumption and natural light floods into the building through a glazed central atrium.

As part of the construction process Hobson & Porter installed a 4.95 kWp Beco above roof solar system. This system will provide clean energy to this landmark building on the outskirts of Hull. Lee Appleton of architects Gelder & Kitchen said "The solar panels are certainly one of the biggest systems I know of in Hull, but we've also done other things, such as using locally sourced materials where possible and keeping the external building line within an existing line of mature trees".

At its heart is a large multi-purpose hall which hosts sports activities, toddler groups and meetings, as well as serving as a place of worship for the congregation. As well as the main hall, the church houses meeting rooms, cafe, a computer room and a creche. Lead architect Tony Anson said: "The result is something we are really proud of".

Speaking at its official opening Government Minister Ed Milliband said: "It's a fantastic building and a fantastic space. This whole project is about using the driving power of social conscience to change things. It just shows what faith-based organisations can do".