MALVERN could house one of Britain's most environmentally-friendly buildings when the third phase of Malvern Hills Science Park is complete.

The park has applied for planning permission to build a two and three-storey building off Geraldine Road, in Malvern, at a cost of around £5m.

The project forms part of the Central Technology Belt, formerly known as the Birmingham to Worcester Technology Corridor, approved by the Department for Transport and Industry two years ago.

As well as providing office and laboratory space for up to 15 new businesses, the building would be specially-constructed to re-use ground and rain water.

A heating and cooling system which uses ground water would regulate temperature in the building.

Rainwater would be stored in underground tanks and used in the building's toilet systems.

The design also features a caf for workers, as well as a roof garden.

All units would have high-speed internet access and fast, intra-office networking capabilities.

Park manager Nigel Shaw said the building would be a landmark in terms of sustainability.

"It will be a lot less costly to run and will be environmentally friendly," he said.

"It should be a pleasant working environment."

Funding is likely to come from the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands, and the Government.

"Providing the funding does come through, we should be in a position to start work on site in November," he said.

Work is likely to take about 40 weeks.

"The building will certainly put Malvern on the map in terms of its sustainable character and I think it will be a building of which everyone in Malvern can be proud," he said.

The application also includes details of two puffin crossings, one in Barnards Green and one on Poolbrook Road, as well as a cycle path from Townsend Way. Improving access to the site will go hand-in-hand with its expansion.

The new building represents phases three, four and five of a 10-phase development plan for the four-acre science park, with phase 10 due for completion by 2010.

A further six acres near The Chase High School, currently occupied by research and technology agency QinetiQ, could also be developed and incorporated into the park within the next three years.

The Malvern Hills Science Park opened in October 1998 and currently houses 16 technology businesses.