Construction work to resume across Newcastle

Work on construction sites were suspended after the Government announced lockdown measures on March 23 to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

However, the restrictions were reviewed on updated advice from Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council, and work has been allowed to resume following discussions with the city council’s development team and their contractors.

What work will be done?

Partners will now be allowed to begin site investigations work, earth works and housing construction after giving the city council assurances that all health and safety requirements can be safely met within the existing restrictions.

Throughout the crisis Government has told the construction sector it can continue to work - so long as guidelines can be safely adhered to.

Where work will take place

After being satisfied by risk assessments, the council has approved work to begin at the following 10 sites:

• Loadman Street, Elswick, earth works by Hellens ahead of residential development

• Redhut, Blakelaw Ward; Brunel Terrace, Elswick ward; Somerset Terrace, Elswick Ward; Losh Terrace, Walker Ward – mainly site investigation works ahead of planning applications for specialist housing all delivered by Tolent

• Hartburn and Reestones, both Kenton Ward, for former site, internal completion of 16 flats for older people and 21 family houses; in Scotswood Ward construction of 45 wheelchair standard apartments and nine bungalows for older people all delivered by Tolent

• Coniston Court, Fenham Ward – construction of housing for older people and Parkway, Chapel Ward, construction of apartments and bungalows for older people all delivered by Tolent

What construction firms say

Simon Thorpe, managing director of John Hellens (Contracts) Ltd said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the City to resume works on Wednesday 22^nd April.

“The nature of the works being carried out are predominantly earthmoving and drilling and grouting works.

"These type of site activities, on a site which is over five hectares in area, allows for the social distancing and site welfare guidelines to be managed safely. 

“Our site management team will ensure these standards are adhered to and will be available to address queries or concerns of the stakeholders of the regeneration.”

Chris Price, regional director for Tolent, said: "The health and wellbeing of our colleagues and supply chain partners continue to be our number one priority throughout this highly dynamic situation. 

“All welfare procedures and systems on sites that remain open are fully compliant with the guidelines issued by the Government via the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, to ensure that all teams can and are adhering to the two-metre social distancing rule. 

“We continue to monitor the situation diligently and will adapt accordingly to any subsequent advice from the Government."

Social distancing essential

A council spokesperson said: “It is imperative that everyone practices social distancing to protect the NHS and save lives. 

“We have had discussions with contractors who have carried out assessments and concluded that in some instances it is safe to resume work. Where it is not safe to work, work will not resume.

“The council is committed to providing affordable specialist housing that meets the needs of all its communities but will only allow work to resume if given assurances by partners that health and safety can be observed.”