A BRAND new tip for homeowners in Eastleigh is set to open by the end of the year.

Work on the facility is on track to open in the coming weeks to residents replacing the existing site on Woodside Avenue, which will close.

Hampshire County Executive Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Rob Humby and Eastleigh Borough Council Cabinet Lead for Environment & Sustainability, Councillor Rupert Kryle took a visit to the new Household Waste and Recycling Centre (HWRC) site at Stoneycroft Rise off Chestnut Avenue, to see for themselves how the new centre is progressing.

The new HWRC replaces the current centre in Woodside Avenue with a bigger and more efficient split-level site. It promises less queuing, quicker turnaround times, better access and relieve traffic queues to the current site on Woodside Avenue.

Councillor Humby, said: “This is a great new facility for Eastleigh – it’s in a great location, is substantially larger and much more modern than the site it will replace. It also brings with it the added benefit that land has been freed up for housing.

“I’m really very pleased that we’ve been able to work with colleagues at Eastleigh Borough Council on this scheme which has so many benefits for the people who live here.”

The new HWRC has been constructed by Hampshire County Council and funded by Eastleigh Borough Council using revenue from the release of land at the Woodside Avenue site for approximately 90 new houses, about 35 per cent of which will be affordable homes.

Eastleigh’s Cabinet Lead for Environment and Sustainability, Councillor Rupert Kyrle, said: “This is a fantastic new facility that will improve and increase recycling opportunities for local people.

"The scheme will also ease traffic congestion on Woodside Avenue and has released land for much needed new homes in Eastleigh at a sustainable location, near to the town centre.”

The new HWRC, at Stoneycroft Rise off Chestnut Avenue, features a split level arrangement that makes it easier for residents to deposit their household waste and recyclables.

The bins are set at a lower level meaning users don’t have to climb steps and better access for waste containers.

The site also boasts almost triple the amount of car parking compared with the old site at Chestnut Avenue - providing spaces for up to 22 vehicles.

Also, it will have capacity for around 25 cars ‘stacking’ – moving round the site in a dedicated lane that enables customers to better see when a parking space appropriate for them, becomes available.

With seven double bin bays and 21 waste containers, an increase of 13, the site will also have greater waste capacity and the opportunity to recycle a wider variety of materials.