THEY searched far and wide across Warrington for a potential venue but finally the doors opened to Golden Gates Housing Trust’s (GGHT) new headquarters.

And chief executive Peter Mercer revealed at the launch of Bank Park House on Tuesday the company had looked a options as diverse as The Halliwell Jones Stadium and for former technical college on Palmyra Square as potentials.

But the housing trust finally put down its roots at the new purpose built base on Kendrick Street, overlooking Bank Park after buying land from Warrington Borough Council.

Mr Mercer added: “It’s a very momentous day in the history of Golden Gates Housing Trust. We have been looking for a headquarters for the last six or seven years.

“We are looking forward to the Bank Park improvements which will greatly improve the environment and we look forward to playing a part in the work.”

The building has been designed with eco features including a green roof forming a roof top garden, solar panels, highly insulated walls and a sophisticated heat recovery system which provides the building with hot water.

The building is set to achieve a BREEAM rating of very good, in keeping with the trust’s commitment to meeting the highest standards for environmental sustainability.

GGHT chairman Roy Smith added: “The new building will mean a lot of people who were working in a variety of buildings will all be working together to help build more of a team.

“Bank House is a lovely building but as an office building the rooms are a bit small and access wasn’t great.

“This has access to all floors, is near the town centre and there are community rooms that tenants and community groups can use to make us more part of the community.”

The launch included the laying of a time capsule featuring work from pupils at St Barnabas CE Primary School.

The building was developed by Birchwood based contractor Globe Construction and was designed by The Fairhursts Design Group. The new building has also helped to generate local employment opportunities and has provided work for local suppliers and sub-contractors.

Bank Park House is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday between 10am to 4pm. The building is fully accessible to the public and the reception area contains three dedicated internet kiosks for customers to use.