Resource Recovery Learning Centre

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Shoalhaven City Council (Waste Services) is to construct a Resource Recovery Learning centre (RRLC) on a site within the existing West Nowra Resource Recovery depot at West Nowra, Shoalhaven local government area, NSW. 

The project involves the construction of a new building on the project site, adjacent to existing structures and facilities owned by council. The RRLC would provide a primary, central facility for education and training in waste management and resource recovery. 

The project addresses urgent and fundamental issues specific to the Shoalhaven within a broader global context. The RRLC will provide the platform to connect people to learning, action and consequence.

Background

The Shoalhaven City Council RRLC at West Nowra NSW, is to provide a permanent, vibrant and accessible destination for education, practice and application of knowledge in the region.

Shoalhaven City Council is proactive in addressing waste education and resource recovery issues. Waste Services has a solid track record of engagement with community on waste reduction and avoidance across a broad spectrum of mediums. This includes but is not limited to delivery of community talks, presentations, activities and large events; administering the Home Sustainability workshop program; enacting a comprehensive media strategy and developing and supporting a multi-pronged schools program.

The Shoalhaven is a richly diverse area, hosting 49 towns and villages that are bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and 109 magnificent beaches. It is a tourist mecca with populations trebling in some towns over holiday periods. 

These regional characteristics, combined with an increasing population, lead to wide and varied challenges and opportunities for resource recovery, recycling and waste management services. Shoalhaven City Council’s Waste Reduction Management Strategy 2017 - 2022 outlines actions the Waste Services Unit is taking to address challenges and avail of opportunities to reduce waste to landfill, increase recycling and recovery of resources.

Overview

The project involves the design of a building(s) that aims to provide an integration of education, innovation and technology. The centre will have a total gross internal area of approximately 800 sqm.

While the majority of the areas are planned for educational and practical learning spaces, the overall allowance includes public recreational and outdoor demonstration areas; office and designated spaces connecting and accommodating growth of services and facilities.

Serving as an exciting learning hub of Shoalhaven for resource recovery and waste management, the centre will effectively service a population of over 100,000 with the capacity to adapt and expand.

The building(s) is to remain separate from existing adjacent structures and administration offices however, is to provide a clear connection and integration with the West Nowra site including the Bioelektra facility.

Project Aims

The Resource Recovery Learning Centre will aim to inspire a sustained connection with each member of the Shoalhaven for the purpose of:

  • changing behaviour
  • reducing consumption
  • recovering more material from the waste streams
  • reducing the amount of waste material being landfilled
  • improving resource efficiency
  • connecting to other operations across the West Nowra site.

Shoalhaven City Council (Waste Services) is to construct a Resource Recovery Learning centre (RRLC) on a site within the existing West Nowra Resource Recovery depot at West Nowra, Shoalhaven local government area, NSW. 

The project involves the construction of a new building on the project site, adjacent to existing structures and facilities owned by council. The RRLC would provide a primary, central facility for education and training in waste management and resource recovery. 

The project addresses urgent and fundamental issues specific to the Shoalhaven within a broader global context. The RRLC will provide the platform to connect people to learning, action and consequence.

Background

The Shoalhaven City Council RRLC at West Nowra NSW, is to provide a permanent, vibrant and accessible destination for education, practice and application of knowledge in the region.

Shoalhaven City Council is proactive in addressing waste education and resource recovery issues. Waste Services has a solid track record of engagement with community on waste reduction and avoidance across a broad spectrum of mediums. This includes but is not limited to delivery of community talks, presentations, activities and large events; administering the Home Sustainability workshop program; enacting a comprehensive media strategy and developing and supporting a multi-pronged schools program.

The Shoalhaven is a richly diverse area, hosting 49 towns and villages that are bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and 109 magnificent beaches. It is a tourist mecca with populations trebling in some towns over holiday periods. 

These regional characteristics, combined with an increasing population, lead to wide and varied challenges and opportunities for resource recovery, recycling and waste management services. Shoalhaven City Council’s Waste Reduction Management Strategy 2017 - 2022 outlines actions the Waste Services Unit is taking to address challenges and avail of opportunities to reduce waste to landfill, increase recycling and recovery of resources.

Overview

The project involves the design of a building(s) that aims to provide an integration of education, innovation and technology. The centre will have a total gross internal area of approximately 800 sqm.

While the majority of the areas are planned for educational and practical learning spaces, the overall allowance includes public recreational and outdoor demonstration areas; office and designated spaces connecting and accommodating growth of services and facilities.

Serving as an exciting learning hub of Shoalhaven for resource recovery and waste management, the centre will effectively service a population of over 100,000 with the capacity to adapt and expand.

The building(s) is to remain separate from existing adjacent structures and administration offices however, is to provide a clear connection and integration with the West Nowra site including the Bioelektra facility.

Project Aims

The Resource Recovery Learning Centre will aim to inspire a sustained connection with each member of the Shoalhaven for the purpose of:

  • changing behaviour
  • reducing consumption
  • recovering more material from the waste streams
  • reducing the amount of waste material being landfilled
  • improving resource efficiency
  • connecting to other operations across the West Nowra site.

  • Design Competition Results

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    Council has appointed architectural firm TERROIR to design the fit-for-purpose Resource Recovery Learning Centre (RRLC) waste education facility.

    The appointment of TERROIR was the result of the design competition earlier this year. Three highly respected architectural firms were invited to submit concept designs, which were evaluated by Council and the Australian Institute of Architects.

    The three concept designs were publicly displayed for the community to vote on. TERROIR was also awarded the People’s Choice Award.

    The building will remain separate from existing adjacent structures and administration offices, however, will provide a clear connection and integration with the West Nowra site, including the new Bioelektra facility.

    TERROIR, will be working in partnership with Council to produce a unique, world class educational facility. Proposed activities for the RRLC include school learning sessions, community education sessions, workshops and presentations. The building will also be the springboard for the current “Tip Tours” on offer.

    Council is striving to become a best practice leader in the recovery, minimisation, re-use and processing of waste types that would normally end up in landfill. The proposed innovative building is yet another way that demonstrates this commitment.

    The TERROIR Concept Design is published in the 'Document Library' on this web page.

Page published: 12 Jan 2023, 03:07 PM