New Circular Economy Hub officially opens in Park Royal
The Mayor of London’s development corporation, OPDC, has officially opened a new circular economy hub, Minerva Works, in Park Royal.
Run by The Republic of Park Royal, the hub, located on Minerva Road in the heart of Park Royal, has been transformed into a creative workspace that will now be used by a range of local enterprises focusing on the circular economy, including Re-collective, Absolute Beginners, and Rescued Clay.
These ground-breaking projects are developing ways to sustainably reuse Park Royal’s waste materials including clay extracted by HS2 and other local developments, deconstructed sets from local film studios, construction waste materials and even discarded tyres, high-vis workwear, straw and leftover printing inks.
At the event, held at Minerva Works, OPDC brought together local businesses, creators, and stakeholders for a tour of the space and offered the opportunity to talk to the organisations who are occupying the space.
The event also saw the launch of OPDC's Sustainability Charter which will guide development in Old Oak and Park Royal on the path to net zero carbon. From co-designed public spaces and local business support to a pioneering low-carbon heat network and nature-based improvements along the Grand Union Canal, the Charter provides a framework that connects high-level ambition with local impact.
It is estimated that during its period of operation, the hub will facilitate the creation of 35 jobs, salvage at least 20 tonnes of materials that otherwise would have been wasted and save over 28 tonnes of carbon, as well as providing opportunities for local communities and organisations to access repurposed materials, develop hands-on skills and engage with new approaches to circular economy.
The building on Minerva Road was acquired by OPDC in April 2024 and long term, will be used as the site of the energy centre for an innovative new network using the waste heat generated by local data centres – a project that’s being delivered in partnership with Hemiko, a leading company in the field of sustainable energy. The Minerva Road site is not needed for this use until spring 2026 and OPDC has used the opportunity to reuse the building as a circular economy hub in the meantime.
The hub will continue to operate for the next year and OPDC will work closely with The Republic of Park Royal and the creative organisations using the space to maximise the benefits for both the local community and local businesses.
We know that Park Royal is home to a fantastic range of creators, makers and businesses who are making amazing products that will be re-used, sustainably and affordably.
Located in London’s largest industrial estate, the new circular economy hub at Minerva Road is a fantastic example of what can be done with buildings which otherwise would have been left vacant.
OPDC is proud to have supported the Republic of Park Royal and the fantastic businesses who are now using this hub to create a space that is working hard to reduce waste in London.
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.
Our thanks to OPDC for giving us the space and opportunity to develop this much needed hub, which will allow local businesses to grow and expand their important work.