Minister for The Environment Arlene Foster recently opened the newly expanded Scarva Road community-recycling centre in Banbridge. Council Chairman John Hanna said “not only is the new centre five times bigger, it is five times better owing to the eco-friendly systems we have introduced to reduce the negative impact it will have on the environment. The facility has been designed to meet the needs of an expanding population.”

RPS acted as Lead Consultant on the development and was involved from an early stage, and provided conceptual design, preparation and submission of the planning application, and detailed design work. The site required a blend of expertise from RPS. Knowledge of the Civil, structural, MEICA, architectural and landscaping disciplines was essential to make the project work. RPS’ mulitdisciplined team created a truly sustainable facility. Contract procurement and successful management of construction ensured that this £1.75 million project was completed on schedule and within budget. The site has been expanded to include a skip yard which features conventional and compactor skips, storage areas for WEEE and bulky waste, and areas for recycling containers.

The centre has a training room that will be used to educate children and local community groups on environmental issues. In addition, there is a re-use centre, where unused or unwanted household goods can be brought, which will divert waste away from landfill. It is also hoped that re-use centre can be used as a training facility to provide social and economic benefit to the local community.

The refurbishment and expansion of the site has increased recycling quantities and decreased the amount of waste going to landfill, which will help the Council hit national and EU recycling targets.

Eco-friendly features at the site include solar panels for water heating, storm water attenuation and treatment using a reed bed, and rainwater harvesting. There is hope that a wind turbine will be added to the site in the future to provide electricity.

Contact:
RPS Ireland
T: +44 (0)28 9066 7914