Suffolk County Council and its waste and recycling partner FCC Environment are proposing to relocate the Portman's Walk Recycling Centre to a new location, currently occupied by Ipswich Borough Council’s operational depot in Whittle Road on Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate in Ipswich.
The proposal is to redevelop the current site to a split-level recycling centre, that will help to future proof the town’s recycling needs. The new site is designed to make access for residents easier as well as to maximize the recycling of household waste.
The new facility is needed to overcome an increase in demand at Portman's Walk which has previously resulted in congestion and delays to the local road traffic network. In addition, with the forecasted housing growth in the area, future demand is expected to exceed the current capacity. The new proposed site will allow for more capacity and increase the number of booking slots.
The benefits of this scheme will be:
- A brand new, purpose designed facility created with site users in mind
- A raised mezzanine platform to provide residents with an elevated position from which to safely dispose of waste
- An easy-to-use layout allowing residents to access clearly marked recycling bays
- Eliminate any need for queuing on the highway
- Removing the need to close the facility to service the containers
- Improving accessibility and increasing capacity
- Introducing greater separation between public vehicles and larger vehicles
A pre-consultation engagement took place early 2024 which sought the views of site users on the new proposed recycling centre.
The responses have helped inform the planning application that will be submitted early summer 2024. An application will be submitted for an Environmental Permit with the Environment Agency and work will begin on a more detailed design.
The current site at Portman's Walk will stay operational until the new site is opened.