Plans to build a new recycling centre in Weston-super-Mare, located across the road from the existing facility, are projected to cost more than the extensive restoration of Birnbeck Pier.
On 8 August, North Somerset Council approved the initiation of design work for the new recycling centre and depot, as the council’s lease on the current depot is set to expire. While only £2.5 million has been allocated so far for design, the overall project cost is estimated to reach approximately £56 million by completion.
In comparison, the Birnbeck Pier restoration-a nationally significant undertaking involving specialist marine contractors operating within a difficult tidal environment-is estimated to cost £44 million.
Unlike the pier restoration, which has been primarily funded through grants provided to the council for that specific purpose, the recycling centre’s funding will come directly from the council’s own resources.
Steve Bridger (Yatton, Independent), the council cabinet member overseeing the project, described the investment as “certainly one of the most significant since I have been a councillor.” He reassured councillors that throughout the development, there will be clear checkpoints to scrutinise costs, affordability, risks, and the business case. At these points, the project could be paused, altered, or stopped if necessary.
The current recycling centre on Aisecombe Road has been deemed unsuitable for long-term use. More importantly, the depot for recycling vehicles is on a lease set to expire in July 2028. Should the depot close before the new centre opens, the council could face estimated additional costs of £4.6 million to transport recyclable materials to other facilities.
Council officers emphasised their efforts to minimise the risk of premature closure and noted that the £4.6 million figure represents a worst-case scenario. The new recycling centre is planned for construction at the former Avoncrest landfill site, situated just across from the present facility.
Following the meeting, Mr Bridger stated: “We recognise that the scale of investment required is significant. However, we have undertaken detailed benchmarking with other councils that have recently delivered similar facilities, engaged specialist expertise, and rigorously tested our assumptions and cost estimates.”
For context, Bath and North East Somerset’s recently opened, ‘state-of-the-art’ Keynsham recycling centre, which launched in 2024, cost £41.8 million. Mr Bridger added: “Construction costs for major infrastructure projects have increased considerably in recent years. We want residents to be confident our plans are grounded in robust evidence and realistic cost assessments.”
The council is exploring potential funding sources, which may include cost savings at waste recycling centres, maximising revenue from recyclable material sales, utilising waste grants, or borrowing.
Councillors voted to approve the commencement of detailed design and planning. This phase will also determine final project costs, enabling the council to make an informed decision regarding the full investment, expected by the end of next year.