Avonmouth is reinventing itself as a major centre for the booming "green industries", according to a Bristol property agent.

Industrial property expert Tim Davies, based in the Bristol office of Colliers CRE, says the area's growing reputation as a major centre for recycling is proving a real economic benefit.

Last month Viridor, one of Britain's biggest waste management companies, announced that it wants to use the former Sevalco site for a £180m waste-to-energy plant.

Now Cyclamax, who are developing new generation sustainable waste treatment and disposal facilities, have taken 300,000 square feet in Cabot Park, Avonmouth.

Tim Davies, director of Logistics and Industrial at Colliers CRE, said: "Avonmouth grew up as primarily a warehousing, storage and distribution facility for the docks and then became the industrial heartland of the South West.

"The same distribution links to the motorway and docks that made it attractive for those purposes is driving the green energy and recycling industries to choose Avonmouth, which will very soon be the Green Capital of the South West.

"It is ironic that the area was once well-known for heavy industries with their smoking chimneys. Now Avonmouth is taking a vital role in saving the planet. The recycling and waste-to-energy industries are all vital parts of Europe meeting its obligations to reduce pollution and waste".

Other major recycling operators SITA, ART Environmental and New Age Solutions are also negotiating to take on significant new facilities in the area.