WITH the family of great crested newts tucked safely behind their protective barrier, the British Red Cross has at last moved into its new Worcester headquarters at Berkeley Business Park.

The innovative £1.4 million building, which uses the latest green technology for heating and lighting, was delayed for six months last year after a colony of the rare and protected newts was discovered on part of the building site.

Contractors had to wait until the newts' breeding season was complete before starting work.

The creatures now live in a grassy area next to the new building and will have plenty of comings and going to watch. For as well as administrative offices and storage, the centre provides quality conference and training facilities for 700 volunteers and community groups in Worcestershire.

"The new headquarters is absolutely amazing," said Red Cross operations director Annie Bibbings.

"It's a world away from our old place in Greenhill. There's so much space here. It's really 21st century."

The project was designed and undertaken by Worcester architects Panton Sargent, who used sustainability as a cornerstone of their approach.

"Wind catchers have been installed for natural ventilisation, and insulation systems eliminate the need for air-conditioning," said Jason Whittall, associate director of Panton Sargent, who headed the project team.

"These specific designs in ventilation and cooling help to minimise maintenance and running costs and assist in minimising energy consumption, while maintaining a comfortable internal environment.

"Additionally, the use of the latest solar power technology partnered with low-energy light bulbs and a north-to-south positioning of the building fully capitalise on the natural power emitted by the sun, while maintaining design excellence.

"In other words, we believe the project looks good and works well."

It is another feather in the cap for Panton Sargent, which has been involved in some of the most innovative designs in Worcester in recent years, including the award-winning meeting hall for St George's RC Church in Sansome Street and the new St Richard's Hospice in Wildwood Way, as well as £5 million extensions to Webbs Garden Centre at Wychbold.

Although the new Worcester Red Cross base is now fully operational, it is not expected to be officially opened until the autumn.