Work on Allerton Waste Recovery Park, North Yorkshire’s new energy from waste plant near Knaresborough is now underway.
The project is one of the biggest of its kind in Europe and is the result of a joint project between North Yorkshire County Council, City of York Council and waste management company Amey.
When fully operational in 2018 the facility will reduce the amount of waste going to landfill in North Yorkshire by at least 90% and generate enough energy to power 40,000 homes.
It will also save North Yorkshire County Council and City of York council around £250million on household waste treatment costs during the first 25 years of operation.
Representatives from both the councils joined the operational team and representatives from financial and technology partners to take part in a ground breaking ceremony marking the beginning of the three-year construction programme.
Mel Ewell, Amey Chief Executive said:
“We are pleased to mark the beginning of construction at Allerton Waste Recovery Park; it is an example of true partnership working that will provide lasting benefits to neighbouring communities. As well as creating hundreds of jobs, we are also committed to recruiting and training apprentices to fill our operational roles to ensure we are creating a positive legacy and boosting the economy in Yorkshire.”
Cllr Chris Metcalfe, Executive Member for Waste and Countryside Service at North Yorkshire County Council said: “Starting construction on this facility marks the beginning of a new way of dealing with our household waste. It will result in a significant reduction in North Yorkshire’s and York’s ‘carbon footprint’ and produce enough electricity to power a town the size of Harrogate”.
Cllr Tracey Simpson-Laing, Cabinet Member for Communities at City of York Council, added: “This is the largest capital investment City of York Council has ever procured.
It is a fantastic example of how partnership working has really come together. Allerton Waste Recovery Park will create a huge boost for our economy and for our region - creating hundreds of jobs for construction and operation, whilst significantly reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and helping to increase our recycling performance.”