Construction work at the new £5.1m Regional Agricultural Centre is nearing completion with the addition of the sedum roof, an important feature of what is designed to be a sustainable and environmentally-friendly development.

The Centre will include “Fodder”, a café and regional food shop, as well as offices for Yorkshire Agricultural Society staff and other rural not-for-profit organisations.

The Centre has been designed by architects P+HS of Leeds and Stokesley and is being built by Harrogate construction firm Houseman and Falshaw. The project is backed by Yorkshire Forward. Deputy chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society Heather Parry said: “To see what is one of the final stages in creating something that we believe will be Harrogate’s most sustainable building is very exciting and a milestone in taking the Great Yorkshire Showground into the 21^st century.”

The building features a range of sustainable features, including a ground heat recovery system, timber frame, solar thermal panels, sheep’s wool insulation and rainwater harvesting. Together with drystone walling, the sedum roof will help the building blend into its surroundings and emphasise its strong links to agriculture. The sedum is grown in Otley and is a low maintenance stonecrop plant which is ideal for use on roofs.

Houseman and Falshaw managing director Stuart Falshaw said: “This has proved an extremely interesting project because sustainability is one of the key drivers behind the design. We are delighted to have been involved in what should prove to be a flagship development for this type of building in the region.”

Construction began in June last year and the start of work was marked when the Queen unveiled a plaque during her visit to the 150^th Great Yorkshire Show. Completion is due in time for this year’s Show, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, which runs from Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 July.