Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has announced a £600,000 investment programme to refurbish Knutton Lane depot, the operational hub serving around 150 staff delivering recycling, waste and Streetscene services across the borough.
The depot, which dates back to the 1960s, also operates a waste transfer station and garage workshop responsible for maintaining the council's vehicle and plant fleet. The refurbishment is designed to improve safety, staff welfare and the long-term resilience of the site.
Phased approach to maintain services
If approved by Cabinet, work will be delivered in two phases over the next 12 months to ensure the depot remains operational and essential frontline services continue without disruption.
The first phase, due to begin in October 2026, will focus on health and safety improvements. The second phase, expected to begin in spring 2027, will include refurbishment of staff toilets, showers and canteen facilities, together with improvements to office areas.
Planning permission has already been secured for the proposed works. 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."
