Plans to build a new recycling centre in Weston-super-Mare, situated just across from the existing facility, are projected to cost more than the multi-million-pound restoration of Birnbeck Pier.
On 8 September, North Somerset Council approved the initiation of design and planning work for the new recycling centre and depot, prompted by the impending expiry of the current depot’s lease. While only £2.5 million has been allocated so far for initial design stages, the overall cost of the project is anticipated to reach around £56 million upon completion.
In comparison, the restoration of Birnbeck Pier-an important nationally significant project requiring specialised marine contractors operating within a challenging tidal environment-is estimated to cost £44 million.
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Unlike the Birnbeck Pier restoration, which has largely been funded through external grants awarded to the council, the recycling centre’s construction will need to be financed from the council’s own funds.
Steve Bridger, Independent councillor for Yatton and responsible cabinet member for the project, described the investment as “certainly one of the most significant since I have been a councillor.” Speaking at the council meeting on 8 September, he reassured fellow councillors that there would be “clear gateways” throughout the process to review costs, affordability, risks, and the business case. He added that the project could be paused, altered, or stopped if necessary based on these evaluations.
The current recycling centre on Aisecombe Road is deemed “no longer fit for long term service”, with the depot particularly under pressure as its lease expires in July 2028. Should the depot close before the new site is operational, the council might face an estimated £4.6 million cost to transport recycling materials to other facilities.
Council officers emphasised efforts to mitigate the risk of any closure before the new centre opens and noted that the £4.6 million figure represents a “worst-case scenario.” The proposed new facility is planned for the Avoncrest former landfill site, directly opposite the existing recycling centre.
Following the meeting, Mr Bridger commented, “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.”
As a comparison, neighbouring Bath and North East Somerset recently opened a “state-of-the-art” recycling centre in Keynsham in 2024, which cost £41.8 million to build. Mr Bridger noted, “The reality is that construction costs for major infrastructure projects have increased considerably in recent years, and we want residents to be confident that our plans are based on robust evidence and realistic assessments of what these facilities now cost to deliver.”
The council is currently exploring potential funding sources for the project. These may include reducing operational costs at existing waste recycling centres, maximising revenue from recyclable material sales, utilising the council’s waste grant, or borrowing funds.
Councillors have approved the commencement of design and planning work. This phase will include finalising comprehensive project costs to enable a fully informed decision regarding the complete investment, with a further vote expected towards the end of next year.