BUILDING work has started on Winchester City Council’s new depot at Bar End.

The £2 million scheme will see a new base for Biffa and the Landscape Group at Barfield Close for their refuse collection, street care and grounds maintenance services.

It replaces the bigger site on nearby Bar End Road which is now surplus to requirements.

The £2 project is being managed by Gentle Consulting and completion is expected by next summer.

Council leader Keith Wood said: “The investment of £2 million in the development of the new depot demonstrates the council’s commitment to improving the services it offers to residents, while achieving a sensible return for the council tax payer.

“The scheme will result in the redevelopment of a run-down industrial site, which in turn will release the old depot site in Bar End Road for an alternative use, enabling this important gateway to the City to be improved in the future.”

Stuart Atkinson, Biffa regional support manager said: “The new facility will enable both Biffa and the Landscape Group to operate the services provided for district residents more efficiently. Biffa will be making a considerable investment in fitting the vehicle workshops out through their partner Dennis Eagle, to ensure that the new freighter fleet is maintained to the highest environmental standards”.