Four months after it closed for a $2.4 million upgrade, the refuse and recycling centre at Lawrie Road, Snells Beach is set to reopen this Thursday, February 3.
The first stage of the Government-funded refurbishment was originally due to take just six weeks and operator Mahurangi Wastebusters had been hopeful that it would be back up and running for the peak summer season.
However, the works ended up taking an extra two months.
Site owner Auckland Council did not say exactly what had caused the overrun, but said it was actually a bonus, as it had allowed more work to be carried out than originally scheduled.
“Although the works ran later than expected, we were able to take advantage of the site not being occupied and completed additional works, including surfacing that was phased as a Stage Two item,” a spokesperson said.
“The advantage of doing this means that when Mahurangi Wastebusters re-establish on site, they do not have to pack down again for works and can continue delivering their services to the community.”
Wastebusters director Matthew Luxon agreed, saying that instead of just being able to accept general and green waste at this stage, they could now take their full range of waste items.
“We’re able to open with all the services we previously offered,” he said. “We’ll be able to get the drop off happening again, which is awesome.”
The only thing that won’t be operating is Mahu Mall, the site shop selling reusable items. A new shop is being built at the far end of the property as part of the Stage Two works, which are due to be finished by midwinter. However, reusable items will still be accepted and either stored or sent to Wastebusters’ Rusty Station shop in Station Road, Wellsford, which opens from 9am to 3pm every Wednesday.
Lawrie Road’s drop-off area has been completely upgraded, with new bin areas, barriers and a fully sealed surface, which Mr Luxon said was incredible.
“We used to have Lake Lawrie in the winter and dust in the summer, but now it’s absolutely fantastic for customers and staff,” he said.
While Lawrie Road has been closed, Wastebusters’ Wellsford centre at Rustybrook Road has been picking up the slack by opening from Tuesday to Sunday. However, once Lawrie Road reopens, both sites will open at the following times:
• Lawrie Road: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8.30am to 4pm
• Rustybrook Road: Wednesday and Sunday, 10am to 2pm
Info: www.mahurangiwastebusters.nz/ or www.facebook.com/mahuwastebusters
