'First spade in the ground' as construction starts on new environmentally-friendly depot

Deputy Leader, Cllr Abdul Jabbar with council officers and construction partners, Whitfield and Brown Developments

Oldham Council's deputy leader has marked the beginning of work on a new depot in Alexandra Park by putting the 'first spade in the ground' at the site.

Deputy Leader, Cllr Abdul Jabbar met with council officers and construction partners, Whitfield and Brown Developments, at the site of the new eco centre in Alexendra Park.

The new energy efficient building will be heated by air source heat pumps providing more sustainable heat and hot water.

It will provide a modern working space for our Environmental Services teams, and is expected to play an active role in the community through a range of uses such as spaces for events, education and recreation.

Cllr Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon said: “I’m delighted to see the construction of the new depot has commenced.

“It was fantastic to celebrate the start of this project which will deliver huge environmental, economic and social benefits. As a Green New Deal council, we are absolutely committed to green energy and tackling the climate challenge in Oldham.

“I’m looking forward to the new depot opening in 12 months’ time.”

Construction starts today (6 December) and is expected to be complete by winter 2022.   It will create 13 new jobs, as well as work placements and skills opportunities to help young people into work.

Cllr Arooj Shah, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Social and Economic Reform, said: “The new depot is a fantastic example of how Oldham Council is striving to make Oldham the greenest borough in Greater Manchester and, at the same time, unlocking opportunities to improve the lives of our communities.”

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