We're replacing the fire-damaged trickling filters with an activated sludge reactor.

Our contractors will take a break over the holiday period. Work will stop on Friday 20 December and resume on Monday 6 January 2025.

Stage one - demolishing the trickling filters 

We're demolishing the trickling filters and replacing them with a conventional activated sludge reactor. Once up and running the new reactor will fix the long-standing odour issues. This option also provides opportunities to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and accommodate the needs of our growing population.

Southern Demolition is doing the demolition work, which started in late November 2024 and is expected to be complete by April 2025. 

The walls of the trickling filters are already down, and we've shifted our focus to removing the foundations.

Demolition work will happen during working hours and contractors will do their best to minimise the noise, dust, and traffic disruption. Vehicles will enter the site from Cuthberts Road.

Stage two - constructing the activated sludge reactor 

The next stage of work will be the construction of the activated sludge reactor. Design work is currently underway, and it’s expected to take up to three years to get the new solution up and running.

We can build the activated sludge reactor without disrupting current operations. In the meantime, we’re working hard to keep the damaged plant operating with minimal odour and will keep the community updated on progress.