Recycling centre to close during April

The centre will close from Monday, April 4 to allow for the major redevelopment works that will see the site increasing by four times its current capacity to offer a wide range of enhanced recycling services.

During the temporary closure users will be encouraged to use services at other existing recycling centres in the Council area, including the Brandywell, Glendermott Road, Strathfoyle Recycling Centre, as well as household recycling centres in Strabane, Claudy and Park. Opening hours at the Brandywell Centre have been extended to the summer opening hours 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, Saturday 8am to 6pm, and 1pm – 5pm on Sunday, to facilitate Pennyburn site users.

The 4Rs centre will remain open as normal during the refurbishment work period, with access to the site via the Brunswick entrance.

Conor Canning, Head of Environment with Derry City and Strabane District Council, said the temporary closure was necessary to allow Council to complete the final stages of the transformation works on the site.

“The new recycling centre at Pennyburn when opened to the public in June will be a fantastic new state of the art facility. It’s a key capital development project representing an investment of over £1.5m from Council including £250,000 from Rethink Waste. The new facility will not only have enhanced and improved recycling services but it will be more accessible, safer and more user friendly and is key in our ongoing commitment to improve recycling across the Council area,” he said.

Conor explained that work has been ongoing over the past number of weeks preparing the site for the works. Council had previously relocated its key operating centre from Pennyburn to Skeoge thereby freeing up space for this major redevelopment project at the Pennyburn site.

Apologising in advance for any inconvenience caused to users, Conor said every effort was being made to provide alternative facilities at existing sites, including the extension of bulky waste services.

Frank Morrison, Head of Capital Development and Building Control with Council, added that once the new Pennyburn site is up and running the existing recycling centre at Brandywell is to permanently close to allow for the development of a new play facility for the area.

The new play area is to be located within the site of the existing civic amenity site. Works on this significant community facility will commence later in the year following the completion of the removal of existing plant and machinery equipment over the summer.

“The development of a new play area in the Brandywell is a really good news story for the area representing a significant investment by Council in play provision and services, and a major boost to the local community who will benefit greatly from new play provision. The Council is committed to providing improved play provision in the city and district and to actively encouraging children and young people to get involved in play and an active healthy lifestyle,” he added.