The Mayor of London’s development corporation, OPDC, has inaugurated a new circular economy hub, Minerva Works, in Park Royal.

This innovative space, managed by The Republic of Park Royal, is located on Minerva Road and has been transformed into a creative workspace for local enterprises focused on sustainability. Among the pioneering projects are Re-collective, Absolute Beginners, and Rescued Clay, all dedicated to reusing waste materials from the area.

Minerva Works is a testament to sustainable innovation. It repurposes materials such as clay from HS2 developments, deconstructed film sets, construction waste, and even discarded tyres and workwear. The hub provides a space for these projects and fosters collaboration among local businesses, creators, and stakeholders. During the opening event, attendees were given a tour and had the opportunity to engage with the organizations occupying the space.

In conjunction with the hub’s launch, OPDC introduced its Sustainability Charter, which aims to guide Old Oak and Park Royal towards net-zero carbon. The Charter outlines initiatives such as co-designed public spaces, local business support, a low-carbon heat network, and nature-based improvements along the Grand Union Canal.

David Lunts, chief executive of OPDC, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Minerva Works offers a fantastic opportunity to support artists and makers in Park Royal, and reducing waste and promoting sustainability are key drivers of our vision for the area.”

The hub is expected to create 35 jobs, salvage at least 20 tonnes of materials, and save over 28 tonnes of carbon during its operation. It will also provide local communities with access to repurposed materials and opportunities to develop hands-on skills.

Looking ahead, the Minerva Road site will eventually become the energy centre for a new network utilising waste heat from local data centres, in partnership with Hemiko. Until then, OPDC and the Republic of Park Royal will continue to maximise the hub’s benefits for the community and local businesses.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

 

© London West (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).

Sign up to receive our weekly free journal, The Forum here.