A PURPOSE-built low-energy office building, the first of its kind in Britain, may put Accrington on the architectural map.

Plans for the new Ormerod Street centre will be unveiled for Hyndburn councillors tonight.

The council is seeking European Union cash for the £4 million project.

If successful, it will also be funded by money from the sale of the town's Arndale Centre.

The building will house council offices, currently at Eagle Street, and will cut the council's fuel bill by 75 per cent.

Officers are working with overseas universities on the design which will include natural ventilation, air circulation and heat recovery.

A large glass atrium will be an architectural feature.

Carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 74 per cent through the use of a combined heat and power system.

And light shelves will be installed to bounce the sun's rays back into the rooms.

The bid is supported by Hyndburn MP Greg Pope and MEP Michael Hindley.

Council leader George Slynn said: "If this bid is successful it will provide the region with an internationally recognised low energy building, while also producing significant savings for council tax payers.

"This development will further add to the recognition of Accrington as an innovative thriving centre."

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