Parsons Vehicle Workshop & Depot

The £9.1m redevelopment of Parsons Vehicle Workshop and Depot in Washington was delivered by Esh’s commercial build division, supporting Sunderland City Council’s carbon-neutral ambitions. 

The new facility includes workshops, maintenance bays, electric vehicle charging points, and testing areas, plus accommodation and garaging for winter maintenance, groundworks, environmental services, and cleansing equipment.

Esh Construction delivered the redevelopment of Parsons Depot in Washington under a design and build contract, creating a modern, multi-purpose facility for the council. The aim of the scheme was to consolidate essential services – Fleet Management, Highways Operations, and Place Management – into one strategic hub, improving efficiency and service provision. 

Sustainability was central to the design, incorporating roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage to secure ERDF funding and support the Council’s carbon-neutral ambitions. 

The project involved complex civil engineering works, delivered by Esh Civils, such as vibro-compaction, drainage upgrades, and the installation of a 527m³ attenuation system. A phased approach ensured uninterrupted Council operations throughout construction, while innovative solutions like non-intrusive pipelining minimised disruption and accelerated programme delivery.

As a local contractor, we prioritised community engagement and economic benefit, donating £2,000 to a grassroots football tournament and supporting education through a Get into STEM session at Fatfield Academy. 

Employability was a key focus, with Building My Skills sessions delivered at St Roberts of Newminster Catholic School and Castle View Enterprise Academy. The project also created real opportunities to help develop future talent in the region, including:

•    89 days of work experience
•    107 training weeks
•    139 apprentice weeks

By procuring a local supply chain and employing a local workforce, Esh ensured the scheme contributed to the regional economy while fostering skills development. This commitment reflects Esh’s ethos of building more than infrastructure – creating lasting benefits for people, education, and employment in the communities where we work.