Dogs Trust has confirmed its plans for building the new facility as part of its network of centres across the UK.
The charity aims to build the facility as the most environmentally sustainable and eco-friendly animal rescue centre in the world, with an aim to reduce running costs and its carbon ‘pawprint’.
Featuring a biomass boiler, green roofs, under-floor heating, solar panels and a rainwater recycling system, the Rehoming Centre will be able to look after around 135 dogs at any one time. The centre will include 64 rehoming, intake and puppy kennels – all angled and glass-fronted; under-floor heating for all kennels; dedicated Training and Rehabilitation Centres; sanctuary facility for up to 36 dogs that prefer canine company; on-site accommodation for three managers; ‘real life’ behaviour suite to get the dogs used to household items; Vet Suite; exercise paddocks and runs; training barn; and grooming suite.
The sustainable design of the structure of the buildings and the use of renewable forms of energy will reduce the energy consumption of the new Rehoming Centre by at least 30% compared to other similar sized Rehoming Centres.
The centre will be based at the former pig farm, Hill Farm, Wide Lane, Wymeswold, Leicestershire, LE12 6SE. Demolition work on the former pig farm buildings will begin soon, with building work starting in early 2011. Dogs Trust East Midlands is scheduled to be opened by early 2012.
Dogs Trust cares for 16,000 dogs a year through its current network of 17 Rehoming Centres across the UK and one in Dublin.
