Nov 17 2006
Judith Armitt, the new Thames Gateway Chief Executive, visited the Shorne Woods Visitors Centre today to find out about the progress of the Green Grid network in North Kent and to discover the innovative energy efficiency technologies at the Centre.
This was her first visit to the Kent part of the Thames Gateway since taking up her post as Chief Executive at the beginning of November. Judith has been appointed to provide stronger and more visible leadership for the Gateway, and promote engagement by central and regional government, agencies, local organisations and private sector investors.
Shorne Woods Visitors Centre is designed as an example of best practice for sustainable architecture, the boat-shaped building has been constructed from locally-felled sweet chestnut and oak. Other eco-friendly features include the use of wind and solar power, recycled rainwater and bio-mass heating. Shorne Woods Country Park is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and covers 288 acres which includes areas of ancient woodland, heathland, meadows and wetlands. The project received almost £1million under Communities and Local Government’s programme to invest in environment projects in the Thames Gateway.
Judith Armitt said:
“This is an exciting time for the Thames Gateway with a unique opportunity to create the sort of communities in which we all want to live, work and invest in. I look forward to taking on that challenge so that we can ensure we deliver the jobs, homes, infrastructure and green spaces that are needed.
“Projects such as Shorne Woods are key to building the communities in which we all want to live and work. We need to build more homes for the next generation, but we also need to create green spaces and educational facilities. Shorne Woods is an iconic building, and one to be proud of.”