Landfill disposal completes

Chair of Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) Councillor Neil Swannick, and Landcare’s Group Managing Director Simon Towers

Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has confirmed the sale of 18 former landfill sites, comprising of some 526 acres in Greater Manchester has been successfully completed for an undisclosed sum. The sites have been sold by GMWDA to Landcare (Manchester) Limited (Landcare).

Agreements were completed on the 17 December 2012 for full freehold and environmental responsibility to pass to Landcare at the outset. 

GMWDA Chair, Councillor Neil Swannick said “We signed the 25 year Recycling and Waste Management Contract to manage the Authority’s waste with Viridor Laing in April 2009. The next logical step was to look at better ways to manage some 18 former landfill sites. The sites were a legacy from the past when the majority of waste was disposed directly to landfill.

"The Authority was very clear that a sale with on-going commitment to proactive site management was the priority. As such we are delighted that Landcare, a specialist professional company with the right expertise and the opportunity to bring the sites into more beneficial use, be that through focussed community engagement or in some cases through redevelopment has been selected”.

Landcare’s Group Managing Director Simon Towers added: “This transaction cements Landcare’s standing as the UK’s leading liability divestment company. We are delighted that the Authority has placed its trust in Landcare to take over responsibility of the sites which have been managed well for the last 20 years or so.

"A number of the sites are at present enjoyed by local communities and our aim is to enhance partnership arrangements and be a visible, responsive and responsible company.

"We will over time look at ways in which sites can be enhanced through funding and in some cases through redevelopment, but our core focus is retaining the levels of care and maintenance and ensuring that the sites continue to no longer pose a risk to the environment”.

The change in ownership will result in minor visible changes to the appearance of the sites at the outset, apart from the erection of signage with contact details for Landcare and asking members of the public to report antisocial behaviour and fly tipping.

Landcare is planning an interactive website for interested parties to learn more about planned activities and maintenance and to post blogs and ideas for enhancement.