Dunedin House Refurbishment

Dunedin House was fully refurbished and remodelled to create a new headquarters and council chamber for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

Esh was appointed to the contract through the NEPO Framework, and the development was brought forward by the council in a bid to consolidate its existing buildings, allowing for a better service delivery and a more collaborative and flexible working environment for its employees.

The major refurbishment of Dunedin House involved the building being fully stripped out with bespoke mechanical and electrical works undertaken across three floors. Along with complete redecoration, new ceilings, toilets and kitchen facilities were fitted, and specially designed office areas, collaborative learning spaces and meeting hubs were installed.

As part of our efforts to reduce carbon emissions, over 600 photovoltaic (PV) panels were installed on the roof. The PV panels aim to produce 214,650kWh of energy annually, equating to a carbon saving of 41.51tCO2e each year – the equivalent of planting 1,906 trees.

Stokesley-based P+HS Architects and Stockton-based Sine Consulting Ltd worked as local consultants on the project, alongside Middlesbrough-based Maval Electrical and Mechanical Engineering delivering substantial mechanical, electrical and plumbing works. AtkinsRealis provided contract administration and quantity surveying services in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, and Workpattern supplied workspace design and furniture solutions.

The Dunedin House refurbishment generated substantial social value for Stockton and the wider Tees Valley areas. The project provided 26 weeks of training for apprentices based in Stockton and 111 weeks across the wider Tees Valley, helping young people gain vital skills and experience within the industry. 

Esh’s Social Value team dedicated more than 20 hours to school and college engagement, including the delivery of six sessions of our award-winning Get into STEM programme, as well as career talks and employability sessions at Stockton Sixth Form and Stockton Riverside College. 

The scheme also supported veterans and reservists, with 14 individuals contributing 136 weeks of employment.