New DEFRA minister visits Birmingham's futuristic new development » Central government » 24dash.com

Philip Hunt, the new Defra minister, visited Fort Dunlop today to see the successful regeneration which has prepared the old building for the future of climate change.

The former tyre factory was derelict and run down for nearly 20 years until the regional development agency and Urban Splash, a factory redevelopment company, took control of the massive site and made the space into a building fit for the future.

The factory has been transformed into living space, shops, hotels, recreation facilities and office units. It has been developed to encompass the best of modern design including one of Europe's largest green roofs, the use of natural light, and up to date facilities including water conserving systems and plenty of green space. This will all become more and more important in the race to adapt to climate change.

Lord Hunt said: "Not only am I excited and ready to take on the challenging brief I have been given at Defra, but I could not think of a better place for my inaugural visit - my home town of Birmingham. Rightly, the city is proud of Fort Dunlop and the way it has dazzled with design and thought of the future.

"Climate change will affect us all. Everything we build or create will have to be ready for the impact of climate change. If we are to spend money redeveloping sites or encouraging people to move into a new building then we have to make them resistant to the worst that the climate can throw at us."

"Fort Dunlop has made a huge difference to this area, and in meeting everyone who is part of its success I have seen the dedication and forward thinking it needs - but it can be done."

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath now has responsibility for sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and air quality within Defra. He is also a Minister of State at the newly formed Department of Energy and Climate Change and is Deputy Leader of the House of Lords.