A BUSINESS centre powered by one of the largest green schemes in the world has been completed.

Eight state-of-the-art office units at the Clock Tower in Haverthwaite will get their energy using surplus water from the River Leven.

Two 19-metre reverse Archimedes screws have been installed on the river by experts Spaans Babcock. Each screw on the Leven has a diameter of three metres and weighs 40 tonnes.

“We recognise that having green credentials is paramount for many types of business, particularly the skilled consultants, professionals and SMEs (small and medium enterprises) who will be our tenants here,” said Julius Barratt, developer of the building.

“By basing themselves at The Clock Tower, they can not only reduce their carbon footprint by cutting out the commute into a city centre and tapping into a phenomenal green power source, but also work from a development that has the kudos of being one of the most significant green-powered developments of its kind in the world.”

Heat generated as a by-product through the hydro power turbines will be used in the offices rather than expelled into the atmosphere. The heat from the turbines pass through a heat exchanger and the resulting warm water passes through a heat pump and into the underfloor heating.

The Clock Tower, which dates back to 1849, has had several uses over the years as a furnace, forge and gunpowder works.

To keep that history alive, each of the offices have names referring to the building’s past, such as The Sulphur Store, The Barrel Store and The Powder Lab.

Mr Barratt expects to attract tenants from various parts of Cumbria, as well as from northern Lancashire, and prospective tenants can go to www.clocktoweroffices.co.uk for more information.

There will be an open day for prospective tenants to have a look round on November 3.