A project to refurbish the offices at Europe’s first municipal recycling facility is underway in Milton Keynes.

Ashe Construction has been asked by Milton Keynes City Council to upgrade the two-story building at the facility that paved the way for curb side recycling in the UK.

In 1993, the Council trialled the first use of red and blue boxes for residents to separate and recycle their waste. That same year, it built the first municipal Materials Recycling Facility which is still in operation today and in 2021, the facility was converted into a Waste Transfer Station.

The main recycling plant was refurbished in 2022, but the office block has seen little maintenance, except for small repairs, since 1993.

The office refurbishment will allow the Council’s environmental team to be relocated and provide upgraded facilities to make the building fit for modern use.

Ashe’s work comprises refurbishment of the welfare rooms, including the kitchen and bathroom facilities, office spaces, meeting rooms and storage spaces, along with a general uplift in the appearance of the building.

The works include modernising the electrical, data and building fire and security systems, and improving energy efficiency along with fitting new windows and cladding.

Ben Walker, contracts manager says the project is challenging due to the weather conditions: “Up to 30 people are working on the site at any given time and as we are in the middle of the summer and with several heatwaves, working with the odour from the recycling facility and the number of flies has really put the team to the test.”

The building itself is also posing challenges but due to the strength of Ashe’s supply chain and close collaboration with the client, and their team, work is progressing well on site.

Ashe is also working on several other projects in the area including upgrades to Milton Keynes library and creating autism spectrum condition (ASC) units at Bradwell Village School, and Priory Common School for Milton Keynes City Council.