Major investment planned to improve council's operational depot

Knutton Lane depot, which dates back to the 1960s, is a key operational hub used by around 150 staff delivering recycling, waste and Streetscene services to residents and businesses across the borough.

The new administration is prioritising investment in the facilities, equipment and infrastructure needed to deliver reliable frontline services, with the proposed programme focused on improving safety, staff welfare and the long-term resilience of the site.

If approved by Cabinet, the depot will undergo a significant programme of refurbishment over the next 12 months, creating a safer, more modern and more practical working environment for staff.

The first phase of work, due to begin in October, will focus on health and safety improvements, including:

• extensive line marking across the depot;
• additional barriers to improve the segregation of pedestrians from moving vehicles and plant machinery;
• upgraded and replacement lighting; and
• improvements to CCTV and site security.

The second phase, expected to begin in spring 2027, will include the refurbishment of staff toilets, showers and canteen facilities, together with improvements to office areas.

Planning permission has already been secured for the proposed works, which will be delivered in phases to ensure the depot remains operational and essential frontline services continue without unnecessary disruption. The £600,000 investment is included in the Council’s capital programme and will be spread across the 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years.

Cllr. Ben Simpson, Cabinet member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces, said:

Our waste, recycling and Streetscene teams are out every day delivering some of the Council services residents rely on most, and it is right that we invest in the facilities they need to do those jobs safely and effectively.

 

Knutton Lane has served the Borough for decades, but parts of the site now clearly need investment. Our approach as an administration is to focus taxpayers’ money on practical improvements that support frontline services, protect our workforce and ensure important Council assets remain fit for purpose.

 

This investment will help ensure Knutton Lane remains a safe, effective and resilient operational base for the vital services our residents depend upon.”

The site also operates a waste transfer station and garage workshop responsible for maintaining the Council’s vehicle and plant fleet.