Project timeline (including latest progress updates)

The timeline below shows the project stages we will follow. We will update this page as more details become available.

Expand the sections below to find out more about each stage.

Public consultation on the proposals
Completed December 2020

We held a public consultation on the Keynsham Recycling proposals in December 2020, alongside another consultation asking for suggestions for locations for Bath recycling centres and other ideas to increase recycling. This gained broadly supportive responses.

Feedback on the Keynsham Recycling Hub consultation showed that 70% of residents who responded support modern facilities for efficiency and reliability of refuse and recycling collections. A total of 71% of respondents supported the key aim of preparing for the future and encouraging more recycling. Read more in our Statement of Community Involvement within the documents submitted with our planning application.

The planning application process included a further opportunity for residents, businesses, the local town and parish councils, and other stakeholders to give their views.
Planning application submitted
Completed January 2021

A detailed planning submission was made at the end of January 2021. This was considered by our technical officers, as well as external organisations such as Natural England.

The reference number is 21/00435/EREG03 and you can view the responses on our website.
Demolition of redundant buildings at Pixash Lane
Completed May 2021

The demolition of the redundant buildings at Pixash Lane was completed in May 2021. This was to prepare the site for groundworks and construction to start in the autumn, once a contractor has been appointed.

All the brick and stone is being kept on site to be re-used during the construction – that saves journeys by lorry to take it away now, and even more in future because we won’t need to bring hardcore in to the site.
Planning decision
Completed July 2021

Read the decision notice from July 2021 granting planning permission.
Proposals and funding agreement
Completed July 2021

Cabinet agreed the proposals and funding package.
Budget uplift agreed
Completed February 2022

Council approved a budget increase of £9.2m for the Keynsham Recycling Hub.
Site preparation works
Completed April 2022

Preparatory work (to secure and prepare the site ahead of the main works) has been completed.

Some of the stone that was retained on site after the demolition of the previous buildings has been used to create a haul road, allowing vehicles to drive around the site without sinking in the mud.

Site offices and welfare/meeting rooms have been brought on site and a new parking area, with access via Worlds End Lane, has been created for contractors and site visitors.
Phase 1 construction
Completed April 2023
Work is underway with the main contractor, Farrans, on site working on:
- Storm Drainage and Utilities
- RRC and Section 278 works
From 8 June 2022, essential highway and utility works will be underway for up to six months. See our news story for more detail. From time to time, there will be closures or partial closures, with diversions in place along Pixash Lane, when necessary.

A Section 73 application for minor amendments to the current planning consent has been approved. The proposed changes include the following:
- Realignment of the road
- Amendments to the structure of the MRF building
- Using a prefabricated timber frame building rather than a steel frame construction for the Salt Barn.
You can view the application on the website by searching with the reference: 22/02206/VAR

Construction is progressing well. The steel frameworks are in place for the larger buildings: the main office, staff welfare and workshop, the waste and recycling processing building (where waste and recycling from households will be tipped, sorted, baled and re-loaded), and the new public Reuse and Recycling Centre.

The photograph shows the waste and recycling processing building (where waste and recycling from households will be tipped, sorted, baled and re-loaded) nearest the railway line.

The photograph below shows the staff offices, welfare, training and education facilities and the fleet workshop in the foreground. Behind this you can see the upper level of the public Reuse and Recycling Centre (RRC). World’s End Lane (on the left) is in the process of being upgraded and an entrance will be created to the new RRC.

This photo gives you an aerial view of the whole site with the current recycling centre in the top right-hand corner. The yellow boxes in the lower part of the photo are the site offices and welfare meeting rooms and alongside is the temporary parking area for site visitors and contractors.

Work will continue on the:
- Salt barn and Traders transfer station
- Fit out of buildings
- Weighbridges and control cabin
- External yards
- Landscaping
Opening of new public Reuse and Recycling Centre
Completed April 2023
The first phase of the Keynsham Recycling Hub has been completed and the new Reuse and Recycling Centre is now open.
Public access to the new centre is via World’s End Lane, which has been widened to a two-way road with a dedicated cycle path and footpath.

Visitors to the new centre are advised to use the signposted route via Broadmead Lane roundabout and Ashmead Road. All council operational vehicles will use a separate site entrance in Pixash Lane. The current Keynsham Recycling Centre in Pixash Lane will close and be incorporated into the construction as part of Phase 2.

Aerial view of the Keynsham Reuse and Recycling Centre © Farrans Construction

Ground floor level view

Upper tier level view
Phase 2 construction
Completed Winter 2023

Construction on Phase 2 has been completed.

The on-site MOT and Servicing Centre for council vehicles and public and commercial vehicles is now open to the public, offering MOT testing for cars, motorcycles, motorhomes, minibuses, HGVs and vans. You can find opening times, charges and book a slot on our website.

The reuse shop, which offers pre-loved items for sale, was opened in October 2023. Stock includes sports, gardening and electrical items all donated by B&NES residents. You can find the opening times on our website.
Relocation of operations from Midland Road, Bath
Completed Winter 2023

The new operational hub has consolidated the council’s operational facilities from three sites across the B&NES area. It is a central depot for more than 100 recycling and refuse collectios vehicles. More than 200 operations and support staff are now based in the modern offices and welfare facilities on site.

The Keynsham Recycling Hub was officially opened in February 2024.

The public recycling centre in Midland Road, Bath is still open and will remain open until an alternative site is in place.