Construction of a new £2million waste recycling centre in west Suffolk has begun.

The new site in Haverhill will be built by DXI Regeneration Ltd on behalf on Suffolk County Council in partnership with FCC Environment after landowner negotiations were successfully concluded.

The centre, which should be completed in early 2024, will be built within the current waste transfer station in Homefield Road.

It will replace the current facility in Chalkstone Way.

The new centre will feature:

  • A raised platform giving visitors an elevated position from which to safely dispose of waste - removing the need for steps.
  • An 'easy-to-use' layout allowing customers to access clearly marked recycling bays.
  • No need to close the facility to replace full containers.
  • Improved accessibility and increased capacity.
  • Greater separation between public vehicles and larger vehicles.
  • Queuing capacity within the site and better access from the public highway compared to the Chalkstone Way site.

The replacement recycling centre will meet the needs created by forecasted housing growth in the area and address growing demand.

The waste transfer station at Homefield Road will also continue to operate.

Councillor Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council cabinet member for economic development, transport strategy and waste, said: “This is excellent news and I am very happy that work can now begin on this much-needed new recycling centre for Haverhill and the surrounding area.

East Anglian Daily Times: Councillor Richard SmithCouncillor Richard Smith (Image: Suffolk County Council)

“Giving people the right facilities to help them dispose of waste properly and to recycle has never been more important and this facility will be key in helping them do that.

“Haverhill residents can now look forward to having a new site with much better facilities and access and which will serve their needs for many years to come.”

Steve Longdon, FCC Environment director, said: “We are pleased to see the redevelopment of this facility moving along.

“We know only too well how much residents value their local recycling centres so it’s great to be able to work in partnership to design and build a facility that has been well considered throughout the whole process to meet the needs of a growing community.

“We are now looking forward to getting on with building it.”