The steelwork of the building has been erected

A major Craven District Council project has hit a key milestone with the development of its latest phase.

The construction of £3m. waste management depot and state-of-the-art workshop at Engine Shed Lane is well under way, with the groundwork complete and the steelwork of the building erected. The scheme, which has appointed contractor Marshall Building Contractors to redevelop the site, has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund, York and North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Craven District Council.

While demolition and construction is taking place, waste collection staff, vehicles and equipment have moved to a temporary location on Airedale Business Park.

It is expected that the redevelopment work will be completed for staff to move into the new Engine Shed Lane Depot by August 2022.

The brand-new development replaces the old depot, which was 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 decarbonising 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.