Eco centre plans for Mudchute Farm

By Simon Hayes on July 9, 2008 1:56 PM |

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IT is the green heart of the Isle of Dogs and if one man’s vision comes to fruition, it will become the green heart of east London.

Mudchute Farm has been proposed as the site of an ambitious state-of-the-art Eco Centre.

The centre, a showpiece facility for sustainable business practices, would provide information on products and services such as recycling, energy conservation and building design, all currently high on the business agenda.

The idea is the brainchild of Malcolm Valentine, who has specialised in environmental issues in the business sector for more than 20 years and sees Mudchute as the ideal location.

He said: “It stems from this amazing farm with Canary Wharf towering above it. It’s a wonderful contrast but also a wonderful opportunity to bring the two together.

“With this centre we would be able to provide a one-stop shop for people to share ideas, get information and hold meetings and seminars.”

The outline plans were launched at the farm on Tuesday afternoon, with presentations on how to make businesses greener. A special “eco audit” by students from George Green’s School highlighted how much cash can be saved by simple practices like turning off unnecessary lights.

But before Mr Valentine’s concept can become a reality, sufficient funding needs to be secured. He hopes to attract Wharf-based businesses to come on board to help fund the centre, which would be designed by Architype and would cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Mr Valentine said: “It’s blue sky thinking at the moment but we’ve been talking to a few people and hopefully we’ve got the ball rolling.”

For more information contact Malcolm Valentine on 020 7589 6511 or email him at info@environmental-alliances.com.