Brice Aggregates Celebrates One Year of Ownership at Needingworth Quarry
Brice Aggregates is proud to mark the one-year anniversary of its acquisition of Needingworth Quarry, a landmark site in the UK’s construction materials sector. Since officially taking ownership from Heidelberg Materials on 3rd May 2024, Brice Aggregates has successfully integrated the site and workforce into its growing regional operations, and has made significant strides in enhancing both the commercial and environmental impact of the quarry.
Needingworth Quarry, one of the largest sand and gravel operations in the country, produces over 1 million tonnes of high-quality material annually. It plays a crucial role in supplying raw materials to infrastructure and development projects across Cambridgeshire, the East of England, and the East Midlands. The acquisition in 2024 marked a strategic expansion for Brice Aggregates into Cambridgeshire, complementing its existing operations in Essex and reinforcing its presence in one of the UK’s fastest-growing construction corridors.
The transition from Heidelberg Materials followed a directive from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of a broader divestment during their acquisition of Mick George. Brice Aggregates stepped in to support this process and ensure the long-term continuity and development of the Needingworth site.
In addition to continuing the site’s quarrying and bagging operations, Brice Aggregates has upheld its commitment to the quarry’s pioneering environmental restoration programme—developed in partnership with the RSPB—which is creating new wetland habitat at RSPB Ouse Fen. As a result of this, Ouse Fen will be one of the biggest reedbeds in the UK, is the UK’s largest quarry to reedbed restoration project, and has already become an important site for reedbed wildlife, including Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Bearded Tit.
Oliver Brice, Managing Director of Brice Aggregates, reflected on the milestone:
“One year on, we are incredibly proud of the progress made at Needingworth. The site has not only strengthened our ability to meet rising regional demand for construction materials, but it also stands as a shining example of how industry and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand. We remain committed to supporting our customers, our new colleagues, and our partners—including the RSPB and local authorities—as we look to the future of this vital site.”
Iain Wheller, Site Manager for Ouse Fen from the RSPB said of the continued partnership: “The Ouse Fen wetland project is already a conservation success story and we’re delighted to have Brice Aggregates’ continued commitment and investment in the project, so that we can unlock the full potential of the site, creating a nationally significant wetland habitat.”
Looking ahead, Brice Aggregates will continue to invest in Needingworth’s operations, innovation, and workforce while maintaining its high standards of environmental care and community engagement.
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