A MAJOR project to provide new waste management facilities in Skipton has hit a key milestone after moving onto its next construction phase.

The building of a new £3million waste management depot and state-of-the-art workshop at Engine Shed Lane - on the site of the old depot - began last year and is now well under way, with the groundwork complete and the steelwork of the building erected, says Craven District Council.

The council scheme, which has appointed contractor Marshall Building Contractors to redevelop the site, has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), with the council itself also investing in the project.

While demolition of former buildings and construction is taking place, council waste collection staff, vehicles and equipment have moved to a temporary location at Airedale Business Park.

It is expected that the redevelopment work will be completed for staff to move into the new facilities by August this year.

The brand-new development replaces the old depot, which was declared unfit for purpose and beyond economic repair. The new facility will not only include a workshop, but depot offices and vehicle storage for the waste management operation.

Speaking about the progress so far, lead member for Greener Craven, Cllr Carl Lis, said: “Work is progressing nicely and we are excited by the ambition and benefits this development will bring to the whole community.

“The weather has been a little against us since the start of the New Year with several storms making it difficult to undertake some of the scheduled works. Despite this, the building frame is up, we have a complete roof, which now also has solar panels installed. This will help power and heat the building and has been included as part of the ERDF de-carbonising Skipton project.

“In addition, the rainwater harvesting tank has been delivered and buried into the ground for connection as the project moves forward. The rainwater will be used in the WC’s and for vehicle washing providing a great way to save on mains water usage.

“Work is now under way to clad the building which is really starting to take shape and bring the building to life, showing clearly where the doors and windows will be positioned.”

In addition to the new waste depot, Craven District Council has separate plans for a second phase of work, to build five commercial business units for new and fledgling businesses on another part of the site.