Revamp plan for old Rowley Regis quarry site to bring 20 jobs
Multi-million pound restoration plans for a former stone quarry which operated in Rowley Regis for more than a century have been unveiled under a scheme which will create 20 jobs.
New housing and a waste treatment plant are planned for the site of the old Edwin Richards Quarry in Portway Road.
The site operated as a quarry for more than 100 years until work stopped in 2008 when it ran out of stone. It was then used for landfill for domestic and commercial waste.
It is now co-owned by Lafarge Tarmac, Hanson and FCC Environment. Development plans will see a treatment plant which is required to process materials to fill the empty quarry space.
It is proposed that 'inert' materials, such as soil and rubble are processed at a building which currently stands on the site. The processing includes soil washing and removing metal from broken rubble.
Once the quarry hole is filled, housing will be built on the edge of the site. It is not at present proposed to build directly on top of the old quarry.
The treatment plant will create 20 permanent jobs during its operational phase. Construction jobs will also be created.
On June 27 residents are invited to a public exhibition at St Michael's School in Curral Road, Rowley Regis from 3.30pm to 8pm.
David Molland, senior planning, permitting and property manager for FCC Environment said: "This is an important site locally and it's vital that we involve the community in the restoration process at this early stage. Our aim is to give residents an opportunity to bring their ideas and suggestions."
FCC Environment hope to submit a planning application to Sandwell Council before the end of the year outlining the restoration and timeframe.
