New Forest District Council asks cabinet to approve additional £375,000 for new £5.5m Hardley waste depot

ANOTHER £375,000 is needed to complete New Forest District Council’s waste and services depot amid a hike in costs.

As reported in the A&T, the council granted itself permission to build the new £5.5m depot at Hardley industrial estate, including offices, workshop and storage space.

The site will house vehicles for refuse and recycling collections, ground maintenance and street cleaning.

A financial monitoring report to the council’s cabinet, which will meet tomorrow (Wednesday), is asking for the additional funds – due to higher build costs – to be approved.

It states: “The new depot site at Hardley has an additional budget requirement of £375,000. This is due to higher build contract costs due to matters outside of our project control, concerning abnormal ground works and drainage redesign.

“Value engineering options have been considered with a view to offsetting these unexpected abnormal costs. However, there is a clear balance between ensuring the depot is set up to operate effectively and efficiently in operational use and cutting costs in the short term, which will only create longer term maintenance or operational costs.”

The report adds: “The council is committed to constructing a modern fit for purpose depot facility that futureproofs the delivery of operational service provision for the district over the long term and this additional investment covered by the supplementary budget will provide this.”

The new site at Hardley replaces the current Claymeadow depot in Hounsdown, which was deemed unfit for purpose and had no room for expansion. It is expected to be developed for housing.

Members are also asked to approve £75,000 in addition to an agreed £150,000 allocation for “essential” refurbishment work at Salisbury Arcade in Totton.

The report explains the refurbishment will “enhance the overall appearance and value” of the area and adds: “The additional £75,000 can be funded… due to a reduction of £75,000 in the Milford-on-Sea public conveniences capital budget.

“This project will now provide an interim solution whilst a wider masterplan for the area is concluded.”