A NEW office development being built with the latest energy efficient methods has been hailed as one way of reducing overheads for businesses feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.

A NEW office development being built with the latest energy efficient methods has been hailed as one way of reducing overheads for businesses feeling the pinch of the credit crunch.

Bernard Jenkin, MP for North Essex, led a ceremony to celebrate the creation of a major new office development near the Ardleigh interchange on the edge of Colchester, currently being built by Horizon Construction for NEEB Holdings.

The new development is called Apex 12 because of its high roof design and its location on the apex of the A120 and A12 in Essex.

The six new buildings feature aluminium windows with hi-tech glazing solutions, low-energy lighting and climate controlled heating and air conditioning with full heat recovery ventilation systems to lower energy costs. The units range in size from 1,080 to 6,680 sq ft and are due for completion in spring 2009.

Mr Jenkin said: “These buildings are of the highest standards not only in design and workmanship, but in their energy efficiency. They will attract both local and national companies looking to Colchester for a high profile building, in the best location for access to the main road networks.

“This development, with all its qualities, is a strong indicator that commercial property is an important and enduring industry in our region and one that, I am sure, will help attract new companies to the area.”

Horizon Construction, as design and build contractors, worked closely with architects Lett & Sweetland from Worcester and Colchester-based Esposito McLean to design the buildings to resemble historic Essex barns on a modern theme, whilst making best use of new energy efficient construction techniques.

Horizon Construction's dontracts director, Phil Holding, said: “New tenants will be able to choose the size of their office requirements due to the modular design. We have received a great deal of interest already, which proves location, quality design and energy-saving construction are always in demand whatever the economic climate.”

Based in Colchester, Horizon Construction operates throughout Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and North London and has procured in excess of £8 million of construction work annually since its formation in February 1999.