Leading North of England contractor, Esh Construction has completed its latest regeneration scheme on the Byker Wall in Newcastle.
The contractor has been working in partnership with Byker Community Trust (BCT) housing association since 2017, delivering a range of projects designed to restore the iconic Grade II* Listed Estate.
Works have just completed on the external upgrade of the Dunn Terrace section of the Byker Wall to Salisbury House, including Graham House. The £2.1 million works to refurbish 140 properties included the replacement of cladding, concrete and timber repairs as well as a full external redecoration of the blocks.
Prior to this, Esh also successfully delivered a £2.7 million re-roofing programme within the Byker Estate to 409 properties. The works were delivered in line to reflect Ralph Erskine’s original designs and most roofs were replaced with concrete tiles to match the specifications from when it was originally built in the 1970’s.
The re-roofing works have included the replacement of canopies and porches, as well as the external refurbishment of Avondale House – high quality accommodation for veterans – which underwent a full roof replacement, repairs to the timber and externals of the building and balconies.
Colin Ford, Construction Director at Esh Construction, said: “Over the past three years, we have worked on a range of projects as part of the wider regeneration of the Byker Estate, and the current climate has made the restoration of the Estate even more important for the health and wellbeing of residents.
“We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, meaningful engagement within our communities and our ongoing presence in the Byker community has allowed us to engage with residents, local schools, and the young people ensuring we leave a positive legacy long after completion.”
Restoring the Byker Estate to its original heritage is high on BCT’s agenda and considerable investment in the housing stock has seen Esh secure several contracts via competitive tender over the past three years – including the conversion of ten hobby rooms and the former housing office, which has now been transformed into four new affordable homes for rent.
In 2018, Esh completed a £1.8 million refurbishment programme of Tom Collins House and Mount Pleasant House sheltered housing schemes specifically for the over 55’s within the Estate. Works included the replacement of external cladding in keeping with the original design, the installation of a sprinkler system and fire alarm upgrade, external balcony repairs, and full refurbishment of communal areas. The refurbishment of Tom Collins House achieved regional recognition when it won the Preservation and Rejuvenation Award at Constructing Excellence North East in 2019.
Jill Haley, Chief Executive of BCT, said: “Since July 2012, BCT has invested £36.4m worth of improvements into the Estate and has received regional and national acclaim for delivering significant transformation.
“We have established an excellent relationship with Esh Construction over the years and they have successfully delivered a number of key investment programmes on the Estate. Feedback from our tenants has been extremely positive and we have continually achieved high customer satisfaction for the work that has been delivered. Esh Construction has been instrumental towards helping us to achieve our vision of Making Byker an Estate of Choice.”
We have established an excellent relationship with Esh Construction over the years and they have successfully delivered a number of key investment programmes on the Estate. Feedback from our tenants has been extremely positive and we have continually achieved high customer satisfaction for the work that has been delivered. Esh Construction has been instrumental towards helping us to achieve our vision of Making Byker an Estate of Choice.”
