The Sidings Construction

Conserving resources by caring for the environment
We set ourselves the stiff challenge of constructing the site in the most environmentally way possible, using local labour, and completing it in a short space of time.
We are proud to say we have met this challenge – it wasn’t easy but we did it.



Using recycled wood from The Wood Store, our chairs and tables are made from wood from the South Downs forests.

We used second-hand solar panels donated by Ovesco, a community owned renewable energy company that the council helped to grow back in the day.
For the construction the following are some of the measures we have used to reduce the overall carbon impact and not wasting valuable earth resources – it either had to be something that was re-used, or it used recycled material in its manufacture, or when it is no longer needed it can itself be recycled or re-used, and for everything it minimises the impact on the environment
- Second-hand shipping containers
- Composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood
- Scaffold boards for the wood cladding
- Chairs and tables made from wood from the South Downs forests
- Recycled solar panels to provide energy for the bistro
- Green roof to promote biodiversity
- Refurbished kitchen equipment i.e. oven and fridges
- Wild meadow planting and a green roof to promote biodiversity
- Cycle stands and lockers
- No car parking
- Waterless urinals
- Mixed cistern and sinks
- Water saving taps and flushes
- Gravity fed service pipes
- Aggregate on paths that can be re-used
- Eco-concrete (reduced carbon impact)
- Recycled concrete for foundations
- Donating spare wood to the Wood store to make into more furniture
- Balustrade uses recycled plastic and was produced using 100% renewable energy
- Aluminium windows
- Over 90% of companies used based in Sussex
- Led lighting
- No gas
- Only use green grid electricity and sustainably sourced wood for barbeques
- Café will use local, seasonal produce, with an emphasis on plant based options.









THE SIDINGS
The first phase of the site is the impressive waterside bistro, supported by the community courtyard, and community spaces ready to promote the river, cycling and walking. Later phases will include additional container space to support more social enterprises.
WHERE TO FIND US
Railway Approach, Newhaven, BN9 0DF, East Sussex
MANY THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING
