Ecotricity has unveiled a proposed new ‘Gateway to Stroud’ at an Eco Park business breakfast – including new concept designs for the Green Technology Hub designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

Over one hundred businesses attended the event, which featured the ‘Gateway to Stroud’ proposal – comprising a new dual-carriageway on the A419, concept designs for Eco Park’s Green Technology Hub, the new Forest Green Rovers football stadium, and a Zaha Hadid designed footbridge linking the two main sides of the development.

Ecotricity has applied to Stroud District Council for outline planning permission for the development, which the company hopes will be granted in the next few months.

The first Green Technology Hub concept design by Zaha Hadid Architects

Dale Vince, Ecotricity founder, said: “With Eco Park we hope to push the boundaries of sustainable development, create 4,000 jobs in the green economy, a world class football stadium and make more room for nature with a big biodiversity boost. As well as creating a new ‘Gateway to Stroud’.”

A spokesperson for ZHA, said: “The bridge design creates one single, fluid form by fusing together individual timber elements. This important, unifying gesture builds connections for the community, conveying Eco Park as a facility for all. 

“The Green Technology Hub proposals apply the latest sustainable design technologies with ecologically sound materials and construction methods to create an integrated community for world-leading research and development.”

While currently just at the concept stage, a decision on the final design of the Green Technology Hub will be made as part of the full planning application.

The second Green Technology Hub concept design by Zaha Hadid Architects

Eco Park is a proposed 100 acre sports and green technology centre at Junction 13 on the M5 – with 50 acres dedicated to creating state-of-the-arts sporting facilities, including a new stadium for Forest Green Rovers, while the other 50 acres will comprise a green technology business park capable of creating up to 4,000 jobs.