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 Mayor of London’s development corporation, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), has officially unveiled a new circular economy hub, Minerva Works, in Park Royal. The hub, located on Minerva Road, has been transformed into a creative workspace that will be used by a range of local enterprises focusing on the circular economy.
Minerva Works is run by The Republic of Park Royal and is situated in the heart of Park Royal. The hub will be occupied by several innovative projects, including Re-collective, Absolute Beginners, and Rescued Clay. These projects are developing sustainable ways to reuse waste materials from Park Royal, such as 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.
The official opening of Minerva Works was marked by an event attended by local businesses, creators, and stakeholders. The event offered attendees a tour of the space and the opportunity to engage with the organisations occupying it. The occasion also saw the launch of OPDC’s Sustainability Charter, which aims to guide development in Old Oak and Park Royal towards net zero carbon.
David Lunts, Chief Executive of OPDC, said, “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 is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local area. 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 would have otherwise been wasted, and save over 28 tonnes of carbon. The hub will also provide opportunities for local communities and organisations to access repurposed materials, develop hands-on skills, and engage with new approaches to the circular economy.
The building on Minerva Road was acquired by OPDC in April 2024. In the long term, it will be used as the site of the energy centre for an innovative new network that will utilise the waste heat generated by local data centres. This project is 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 taken the opportunity to reuse the building as a circular economy hub in the meantime.
Jonny Brewin, of The Republic of Park Royal, said, “Minerva Works offers a fantastic opportunity to support artists and makers in Park Royal. 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.”
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.
