A NEW park and community hub is set to open in a Herefordshire town, but it has a special way of running itself.
St Mary's Garden Village, in Ross on Wye, is set to generate all the energy it needs when it opens this winter.
It is one of the final community facilities to be provided by the Edenstone Group as part of the village's development.
The community hub will offer around 140 square metres of space including kitchen, utility, gym, three toilets, including one disabled, and open space for various groups to utilise.
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There are wetlands, ponds, formal gardens, and allotments are also a part of the hub.
Plans are also in place to create more so that residents can enjoy growing their own produce without having to forego some of their garden space.
Operations director Chris Edge said: "As part of our commitment to creating sustainable communities, we aim to provide neighbourhood facilities at the earliest opportunity.
"The great thing about this building is that it's designed to be carbon net zero. It should produce all the energy it requires and feedback any surplus into the grid."
William Henderson, who lives in the village with his family, said he has been in his new home for a year now and has watched the Edenstone Group build a beautiful area to live in.
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"Like other residents, I've been watching in anticipation since work on the community hub began in September," he said.
"I've been documenting progress on the wider development, including photographing the hub as it's being built so people can see how our community is growing.
"The roof of the community hub is now on, and we can't wait for it to open."
Eco-friendly features of the new building include 14 roof tiles to solar charge the 7.68 kwh of batteries, with services run in the community hub.
The gas-free property will include infrared panel heaters and a smart control system.
Externally there will be an electric car charging point and bike hire for residents to enjoy.
"The community hub will be a real focal point for the new neighbourhood, providing a home for a variety of activities," said Edge.
"Residents have already expressed an interest in hosting toddler groups and knit and natter sessions, amongst other things."
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