holcim uk awarded supply contract for uk's first new reservoir in more than 30 years

Holcim UK is delighted to announce its appointment by Future Water MJJV Ltd to supply essential materials for the construction of the UK’s first reservoir in over 30 years – Portsmouth Waters’ Havant Thicket reservoir.

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The reservoir is an environmentally-led project that will help to safeguard internationally rare chalk rivers in Hampshire by providing an alternative, sustainable source of water.

The reservoir, which is being delivered by Future Water MJJV Ltd, a joint venture between Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK and JT Mackley & Co Ltd, is expected to be completed by the early 2030s. 

It is estimated to take approximately three years to fill and will have the capacity to hold up to 8.7 billion litres of water, playing a crucial role in enhancing water security for the region.

Holcim UK was chosen to be one of the project partners due to its ability to provide high quality materials, having the right grade and composition to meet the designers’ requirements and specification. After assessing its quarry minerals, the team identified the marine sand from Holcim Portsmouth as the most suitable for the project.

The company’s commitment to sustainability was another deciding factor. Unlike alternative options that would have required sourcing sand from overseas, the company’s site in the southwest offered a hyperlocal solution, which reduces the project’s overall carbon footprint. In addition to this, articulated lorries will be used to transport the product, capable of carrying larger loads – further reducing emissions.

For this project, Holcim UK is contracted to supply 4-20mm of coarse aggregates, which will form part of the foundation at the base of the reservoir, along with dredged sand that will be used as integral drainage blankets in the drainage system.

Keith Lipscombe, Commercial Manager at Holcim UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of such a landmark project. Supplying materials for the UK’s first reservoir in over three decades is a huge responsibility, and we are thrilled to contribute to an initiative that will secure water resources for future generations.

“What makes this project even more significant to us is how it aligns with our sustainability goals. By sourcing sand locally from our Portsmouth site, we are reducing the project’s carbon footprint and avoiding the need for overseas imports. It is not just about delivering materials, but also about doing so in a way that supports a more sustainable future.”

Geraint Lloyd, Deputy Project Director from Future Water MJJV Ltd, adds: “It is great to have Holcim on board in supplying us with these important materials for the project. Holcim has been engaging and helped procure the materials, which have been difficult to source due to the important grading specification for the reservoir.”

For more information visit www.holcim.co.uk