![Council Depot [Photo: BDC]](https://i0.wp.com/www.enderbyeye.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Depot-News-picture.jpg?resize=391%2C246)
Blaby District Council has received the keys to its brand new depot in Whetstone following an eight-month build programme.
Neighbourhood Services, made up of the Refuse and Recycling and Grounds Maintenance teams, will be making the short move to the modern, state-of-the-art facility over the coming weeks, with a grand opening in the autumn.
After over 60 years in Littlethorpe, the team’s relocation will help to maintain the excellent reputation with residents for refuse and recycling. Currently, 97% of respondents to the most recent Residents Survey said they were satisfied with the service.
The new depot will be adjacent to the County Council-run Whetstone Recycling Site and contains an administration area, operational staff facilities and a fully equipped training room.
There will also be extensive vehicle maintenance facilities, such as a state-of-the-art vehicle servicing area, with the ability to expand the future workload if required.
Councillor Guy Jackson, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood and Regulatory Services, said:
“This development has been anticipated since planning permission was approved and the whole Council are excited by our fantastic new depot.
“This investment emphasises our commitment to the Neighbourhood Services team, and will enable them to continue their great work.”
Tim Boxford, Associate at maber architects, designers of the new depot added:
“It has been fantastic to work with a client that has shared our vision that seemingly mundane buildings don’t have to have mundane designs. We’d like to think that we have broken the mould for industrial buildings, by creating a set of simple, sleek forms realised in a striking palette of materials.”
Phil Harrison, the Managing Director of Wates Construction Midlands and North, who undertook the development, is quoted as saying:
“Our delivery of Blaby District Council’s new depot has required a deep-rooted understanding of the technicalities involved in the build, as well as an established knowledge of the local environment to ensure the development is sympathetic to its surroundings.”
Mr Harrison further commented that Wates’ proficiency in the technical areas has been demonstrated throughout the delivery of the Whetstone scheme, which will ultimately enable the council to increase operational efficiency in its waste management.
Once fully operational the depot will become the base for around 80 employees working within Neighbourhood Services.
[Source: Blaby District Council Communications]
