Construction of environmental hub begins

The construction stage of the new environmental hub in Middlewich starts today and Cheshire East Council has released an image providing an artist's impression of how the site will look when complete next year.

The hub aims to end the landfill disposal of black-bin waste in the Borough and provide a site for Ansa to run waste collection and recycling, parks and street cleansing services for the Council.

The environmental hub will enable the Council to increase its recycling, attain targets in waste collection and at the same time have wider economic benefits, preserving existing employment through the relocation of jobs to Middlewich.

Access to the site will be via two entrances on Cledford Lane. One will provide access for office staff situated in a building on the corner of Cledford Lane and Booth Lane, the other will be for vehicle access to both the household and recycling plants.

There will also be a fleet workshop, which will double up as a MOT testing bay that backs on to Booth Lane, next to the canal.

The household waste transfer station is next to Cledford Lane, with the recycling station to the left, set slightly further away from the road. The stations are needed to transfer recycling and waste to processing and disposal plants outside the Borough.

The Council is also investing £1m into constructing a state-of-the-art air treatment system, which will ensure that the impact of odour from the site is kept to a minimum.

As part of the arrangement with the Council's partner, Wates Construction, a liaison committee has been created involving Middlewich residents to ensure that local people are fully involved every step of the way.

A dedicated community site cabin will be established, where a Wates staff member will be on hand to answer any queries people may have. Over the next nine months, there will also be local school visits and opportunities for young people to have work experience placements on site.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This project will maximise our recycling efforts and reduce landfill to an absolute minimum."

The contract with Wates will see the construction and refurbishment of new and existing buildings as part of scheduled works for the development on Cledford Lane. The project begins on 16th June.

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