The UK's greenest high-tech homes and offices is opening it’s doors on 1st October, to tell the story of Greenhouse, One Year On and to celebrate with the local community what’s been achieved with this pioneering development in Beeston.  

From eco-market stalls to be hosted in the courtyard, to behind the scenes tours showcasing how energy is saved and solar power is used, ‘Eco-toberfest’ is to be a celebration of green living. A guest appearance from local MP Hilary Benn, who officially launched Greenhouse last year, will also feature, as he discusses the impact of Greenhouse as a regeneration development, and reveals other community projects he’s involved in. 

To mark the occasion Greenhouse is also launching an initiative to grow their very own forest and is calling on visitors of the event to get involved. 

Managing Director Chris Thompson said: “ We thought this would be a really nice way to mark our first birthday, involving Leeds residents and giving people a chance to make their mark in a green way. We’re looking to create a mini Greenhouse forest* and wanted to give friends of Greenhouse the chance to have their little piece of history there too. Guests can adopt a tree at ‘Eco-toberfest’ which they then take away and grow. When it’s ready it gets sent off to be planted alongside our trees and is cultivated for the next 100 years.” 

Having attracted 25 awards and national recognition since launching in 2010, Greenhouse sustainable developer Citu is keen to show guests how the building has come to life. A video at the event will tell the stories of people who’ve made Greenhouse their home and behind the scenes tours will explain how 1930s Shaftesbury House was transformed, giving guests the opportunity to see how rain water flushes loos, solar panels heat water and wind turbines generate energy to make cups of tea. 

Guests will be also be able to step inside the luxury homes and offices and see how the residents and tenants save 60% on their energy bills, as well as visit the newly opened Apart-hotel to discover how it's possible to take a sustainable break without leaving the city. 

Members of the team will also be on hand to offer help for first time buyers with a seminar on how to get a mortgage and information on the new FirstBuy scheme that Greenhouse are involved in, providing homes to purchase with just a 5% deposit. 

Alongside all of this guests will enjoy sampling authentic Bavarian beer courtesy of Leeds very own Bierkeller, Bavarian style food from the Greenhouse Deli and will be treated to entertainment from a live Oompah band. 

The Eco-toberfest celebrations will run from 12pm – 6pm on Saturday 1st October. The event is open to all, but RSVP is essential for entry. You can find more information and RSVP at greenhouseleeds.co.uk/1stbirthday. Updates will also be posted via facebook.com/greenhouseleeds and twitter.com/greenhouseleeds.

Chris Thompson, Managing Director at Citu said: “We've had a hugely successful first year at Greenhouse and we want to celebrate this with not only residents and tenants, but the local Leeds community. We're thrilled Hilary Benn is coming back to re-visit the development and want to celebrate with everyone that Leeds is leading the way in green living!” 

“Eco-toberfest is an opportunity for people who came to the launch to see how Greenhouse has built a sustainable community over the last year and also a chance for those who have never been, to see what it’s all about. We look forward to welcoming many new faces through the door.” 

Greenhouse has 166 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments, 13,000 sqft of office space, Greenspace – the UK's greenest conferencing and events centre and an on-site Apart-Hotel. For more information about living, working or staying at Greenhouse visit www.greenhouseleeds.co.uk.

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