Construction Underway For Derwenthaugh EcoParc Autoclave Recycling Plant

Derwenthaugh EcoParc will be one of the world’s largest steam autoclave recycling plants on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead. This £50 million investment will offer a large waste recycling plant capable of treating 320,000 tonnes of municipal solid wastes and commercial wastes, and will divert more than 80 per cent of input wastes from landfill.

The EcoParc will act as the blueprint for all future sites and comprises four key areas - municipal solid waste/ commercial waste reception; steam treatment and reception; separation plant; light waste, despatch and green waste transfer station. Additional office and floor space will be created for future development. The waste processing buildings will feature the latest UV odour treatment technology and be held at a negative pressure to prevent the release of any odour.

Procured via a negotiated partnering arrangement, the project team comprises process engineers and contractors to ensure a seamless solution to the construction process. Browne Smith Baker, the architects, drew up plans for the Derwenthaugh development and prepared the masterplan.

Clugston Construction, the main contractor on the development, commenced negotiations with Graphite Resources in 2004 and started work on site in May this year. Clugston is carrying out extensive site infrastructure works and will construct an extensive range of buildings on the site. Erection of structural steelwork will commence in the autumn.

Richard Greenwood, Project Manager for Clugston said: “Derwenthaugh EcoParc is an exciting opportunity, not just for Gateshead but for the North East region as a whole. It is a prestige project and a symbol of success for all those involved.”

William Thompson, executive director of Graphite Resources said: “This is an important project; we want to be working with the best people and resources to help deliver a scheme the North East can be proud of. The development is all about quality and with our construction team on board, this is an excellent start to attaining that objective.”

Mott MacDonald, the project management and engineering consultants to Graphite, provided pre-contract technical advice and technical contract drafting, and are continuing to provide formal project management and contract administration services throughout the construction and commissioning phases.

Quantity surveyor Henry Riley was involved with the feasibility, cost planning and contractual negotiations.

William Thompson said: “It is our stated aim to develop one of the leading EcoParcs in Europe, in terms of quality environment and technology as well as creating sustainable employment for the long-terms benefits of a local workforce.”