The joint venture will see GRS partner with Guildford-based Down To Earth Developments (DTE) – with both parties taking a 50% stake in “Alton Road Aggregates” (ARA).
The quarry has an operational lifespan of more than 10 years and will supply sand to the local market, as well as GRS bagging plants west of London.
GRS and DTE said that they believe the site is ideal for recycling demolition and excavation waste, diverting as much as possible away from landfill. They added that materials which cannot be recovered will be used to “restore the 36-hectare landscape”.
Jon Fisher, GRS chief executive, said: “We have been working with the team at DTE for a while so forming a JV is a natural next step for both businesses. It gives us a foothold in this part of the South East and a strong platform for growth, with the potential to turn construction spoil into new aggregate in line with our vision to accelerate circularity in construction.”
Ben Maclean, owner of DTE, added: “We’re proud of our track record in land reclamation and recovery, and we have the expertise, experience and management systems to deliver exemplar schemes. Getting together with GRS is a massive boost to the development and remediation of the Alton Road site and we’ll be working with the local community, councils and agencies to ensure that restoration is to the highest standards for the benefit of people and wildlife alike.”
The partners said they plan to grow the business and are exploring other potential operations across Surrey and Hampshire.
GRS said it intends to meet the UK’s demand for aggregates with secondary materials made from inert wastes. The group currently produces Enviroc granite, a by-product of mining for china clay in Cornwall and Devon.
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