ECOTRICITY which made Stroud its home 20 years ago has revealed the next chapter of its town centre plans.

The company is aiming to transform the Wallbridge area of Stroud with a new plaza beside the canal, better pedestrianisation, and the reconstruction of one of Stroud’s eyesore buildings.

Stroud’s old tax office is now one of four Ecotricity buildings in the town centre, and it’s long been a derelict ugly duckling beside the Wallbridge roundabouts.

Now, founder of Ecotricity Dale Vince is looking to demolish and replace it with a brand new, fresh, modern and sustainable eco-building.

The original ‘Lego style’ design received mixed reviews from the public with many believing it would stick out like a sore thumb.

However, Glen Howells Architects (GHA) who were runners up in the FGR new stadium design has created a brand new design, ditching the Lego concept.

The impressive curved glass structure will be fronted with slim solar panels, have a ground source heat pump to provide heating and cooling and super insulation with triple-glazing.

Mr Vince said: “It’s a new design rather than cover up of an existing mess, and that has allowed considerable freedom for creativity, which I think is evident in the design.

“We haven’t 'got rid' of the Lego Look - we’ve simply gone back to the drawing board with the question, can we do better? This building is the result of that, and we think it is better by a long way.

“I think first impressions matter and so the entrance or gateway to any town or city is important."

Tim Mars of the Civic Society was absolutely delighted when he viewed the new plans.

He said: “The new design in place of the old tax building is absolutely stunning.

“I loved the panels in green and everything about it is simple, elegant but with a huge wow factor.”

The creation of the new building will provide an extra 300 jobs– supporting the company’s continued growth in the centre of the town.

Named, New Axiom House, it will work alongside Ecoricity’s current flagship office across the road, Lion House.

Ecotricity sees it as one piece of a much bigger renovation of the Wallbridge area and are talking to Stroud District Council about making it a truly pedestrianised plaza, a place to meet and socialise, a fantastic stopping point along the canal.

This includes talks with the county council about a pedestrian crossing between Lion House and the old tax office.

Finally, Ecotricity recently got planning permission to give Imperial House, near the train station, a makeover.

With GHA on board, two new designs have been put forward.

Stroud News and Journal:

Two new designs for Imperial House

All four concept designs for Imperial House can be viewed at facebook.com/ecotricity