Construction of a multi-million pound waste hub in west Suffolk – which will streamline services onto one site – is underway.

The 16-acre site, at Hollow Road Farm, on the outskirts of Bury St Edmunds, will offer a waste transfer station, a new recycling centre, a vehicle workshop and a re-use shop.

The £32million waste management facility is being developed in partnership by St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Forest Heath District Council, who are responsible for waste collection in west Suffolk, and Suffolk County Council – responsible for waste disposal.

The West Suffolk Operational Hub (WSOH) is expected to open in late autumn 2019.

Concerns were raised by members of the community throughout the planning application process for the hub, with fears over traffic, safety, and infrastructure.

Sarah Broughton, chairman of the community liaison group and St Edmundsbury ward member for nearby Great Barton ward, said: “The local community has held this project to account from the outset, and through its activism and tenacity has influenced the design and delivery of the site.

“Construction will bring its own challenges and I welcome the contractor’s commitment to engaging with residents through the community liaison group, to keep them involved and informed.”

Peter Stevens and David Bowman, cabinet members for operations for St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Forest Heath District Council, said: “While we are investing to accommodate the growing needs of west Suffolk, we are clear that it should be done in a way that minimises the impact on neighbouring community.

“We made this commitment to the community, and made it a major factor in appointing contractors. Now the project is underway, we will work closely with the community liaison group to understand and address any issues as they arise.”

Paul West, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for waste services, said: “This project demonstrates that by working together across area boundaries, local authorities can improve the way that communities manage waste – increasing efficiency, reducing the miles our vehicles travel and providing improved recycling facilities with a new Household Waste Recycling Centre.

“I am pleased to see the start of work on site for this new hub and I look forward to charting progress as this state of the art facility takes shape.

“We all have a part to play in Suffolk to reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible. This new facility is designed to fit the future needs of west Suffolk.”

Saul Humphrey, managing director for Morgan Sindall’s East region, said: “We’re pleased to be making good progress on this strategically important facility for the region.

“Working closely and collaboratively with stakeholders and the local community to ensure they are empowered and informed is key, and a proactive engagement plan has been an important part of our delivery strategy since the outset.

“We would like to assure residents that we will be doing everything in our power to ensure minimal disruption while work on-site is carried out.

“We look forward to developing a positive relationship with the local community during this process and our experienced team will be engaging closely with the Community Liaison Group throughout the works.”