Construction has begun on a new "zero-energy" building which will become a drive-though Costa coffee shop in Newport.
The new "eco-pod" Costa store based just off Usk Way near the Blaina Wharf pub will be one of the first retail buildings in the UK with a net zero energy consumption.
That means the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis will be at least equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site.
The environmentally friendly structure will form part of Newport City Homes' Old Town Dock development which will see 149 new homes built on a large area of currently unused land.
The design will include a special timber frame as an alternative to a traditional steel one, as well as solar panels on the roof, energy retaining insulation and an under-floor heating system.
A similar eco-pod coffee shop opened its doors in Swansea's Parc Tawe in late 2017 and in Telford in 2015. A Newport City Homes spokesperson said the Newport store will be similar in design with some key differences.
The drive-through lane to Costa Coffee will be accessible from East Dock Road, and there will be cycle parking spaces as well as car parking with dedicated electric charging points. Newport City Homes said there will also be a large green area on site with trees and outdoor seating.
The original Old Town Dock was built in 1842 and was central to the shipping of coal around the world from the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal. It was eventually filled in during the 1930s.
Executive director of development at Newport City Homes, Matthew Davies, said the store will create 25 job opportunities for people in Newport.
"With our proposed development of 149 homes at this key location being close to active travel links and public transport, we are ensuring that we maximise the wider benefits of this development in contributing to people’s health, well-being, the environment and supporting the local economy," Matthew said.
"The coffee shop and the new homes will be built to increased design standards, using alternative construction methods that will not only see carbon reduction in their construction, but also in future use."
