Eco Park set for go-ahead

Jan 15 2008 By Evening Gazette reporters

A NEW “Eco Park” in Billingham, which could create up to 500 jobs, has taken a major step forward.

Impetus Environmental Services has received outline planning consent for the development, which was part of the former ICI Billingham site, from Stockton Council.

The 86-acre site will be known as the Billingham Eco Park, where various technologies will be located to enable the recycling and reuse of a wide variety of materials. The first occupants of the site are likely to be a recycling centre and a process that will reduce waste glass to the size of grains of sand which can then be used in a number of industrial applications.

Frank Cooke, director of Impetus Environmental Services, said: “Many other technology providers have expressed interest in the site.

“We’re looking at 400-500 jobs being created at the site when the schemes fully completes, with many more created locally in the short-term with the fabrication of plant, equipment and construction works.”

Mr Cooke said the company was in talks with national and international firms looking to bring environmental technology to Teesside.

A new access road will be constructed off New Road. The existing rail network will also be brought up to modern standards with a £500,000 investment.