Minister opens Broads Authority building
THE Broads Authority's new headquarters - officially recognised as the greenest building in the East of England - was officially opened yesterday by a senior government minister.
THE Broads Authority's new headquarters - officially recognised as the greenest building in the East of England - was officially opened yesterday by a senior government minister.
Hilary Benn, secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, opened Dragonfly House, named after the authority's logo, which brings together other organisations in the Defra family - the Environment Agency and Natural England - under one roof on the banks of the River Wensum.
The new bright and airy offices replace Broads Authority's previous home in two 18th century merchant houses in time for its 20th birthday. It is also 60 years since the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act, which established the UK's National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In a speech to staff, Mr Benn said: “This building is a living example of what the future looks like - and you are lucky enough to be working in it.”
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He complimented the Broads Authority on its work and recalled making his way along a Broad by boat early one morning last November.
“”I remember casting off and making our way through the blackness and the stillness and it was a magical experience that will stay with me for the as long as I am alive.
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He added: “National Parks are beautiful, spectacular and often dramatic expanses of natural environment - they are indeed the jewels of our countryside. And the Norfolk Broads are a unique part of this family.”
