And now for something entirely different......

November 2011

Last year, MGM’s award-winning contribution to the restoration of 28-30 The Close on one of the original five medieval streets of Newcastle upon Tyne helped to confirm the company’s reputation as a leading specialist in preserving the structural integrity and restoring the features of the region’s architectural heritage.

This year, the company has yet again been the major construction player in a high-profile project involving one of the North East’s most iconic historic buildings - this time Langley Castle, which has been a dominant feature of the Northumbrian countryside for more than 650 years.

In the early 18th century, Langley Castle was at the heart of a major episode in our national history when the then owner, James the 3rd Earl of Derwentwater, picked the wrong side in the Jacobin rebellion of 1715. He and his brother, Charles, paid the supreme penalty when they were executed at the Tower of London.

Now playing a much more tranquil role as one of the UK’s only fortified medieval castle hotels, Langley delights and fascinates visitors from all over the world. Rather than involving the repair and restoration of historical features, however, the project was entirely different from MGM’s point of view in that it involved the construction of a pavilion of entirely modern design that was attached to the Castle’s Josephine Restaurant by a glass corridor and surrounded by a moat.

The steel-framed, cladded building with its grass eco-roof will seat additional restaurant guests during busy periods and provide private dining space for small groups and - in particular - for wedding parties. The multi-functional design can also be converted into two smaller rooms.

As hotel manager, Anton Philips, put it: "The new pavilion blends in to the surroundings and does not attempt to compete with the 14th century building."

The pavilion was officially opened by The Mayor of Hexham, Councillor Robson, and celebrated by a stunning firework display. Langley Castle went on to win a silver award in the Small Hotel of the Year category at the 2011 Enjoy England Awards for Excellence while the Architects - Simpson & Brown - intend to enter the extension in the AJ Small Projects award.

There are more pictures of the Pavilion and its official opening. View them by clicking here

Craghead Contract a big "home win" for Wensley Roofing

September 2011

While Wensley Roofing has increasingly been competing successfully for contracts outside its traditional North East heartland in recent years, it only had to travel a few miles down the road from its Chester le Street headquarters to land one of its biggest contracts of 2011.

Against extremely strong competition, the company won a £320,000 Durham County Council contract to strip, salvage and re-install tiles, replace rainlines and install solar PV panels on the roofs of 89 private homes at Craghead.

The Craghead contract followed closely on another major midsummer contract win for Wensley - the re-roofing of 90 houses for the third phase of an on-going Gentoo refurbishment project for Wansbeck Council. Wensley was also roofing contractor for the 1st and 2nd phases of the project.

£10M INVESTMENT OPENS DOOR FOR GROUND-BREAKING ‘FREE’ SOLAR PANEL PACKAGE

August 2011

Northern Bear’s four roofing businesses, a leading green investment company and the UK subsidiary of a world leader in solar panel technology have been brought together by Northern Bear Renewables in a ground-breaking package that gives housing providers and commercial property owners the option of solar energy with absolutely no capital outlay or operating costs

An initial £10m investment secured from Hazel Capital, which invests exclusively in green energy, and collaboration with RGE Energy UK, have enabled Northern Bear Renewables to develop a unique package that builds on the Government’s Feed In Tariff Scheme (FIT) to benefit commercial and domestic property businesses from Manchester to the Scottish Borders.

FIT aims to stimulate the adoption of green energy by guaranteeing to pay for every kilowatt of power generated by solar PV. All the major electricity providers are obliged to buy solar energy at current tariffs - plus annual inflation linked to the RPI - for the next 25-years from all qualifying projects completed by 31 March, 2012.

To qualify for the generous terms of the Northern Bear package, individual projects must have roof space to install panels with a maximum 50Kw/h capacity and ideally be south facing. A free survey establishes from the outset whether individual projects are viable and property owners can therefore take full advantage of the wide range of benefits available through the package, including:-

• The optimum solar PV technology sourced from leading manufacturers and supplied entirely free
• Free installation by Northern Bear’s specialist roofing divisions. Installation can often be organised to coincide with other roofing work to minimise disruption - which in most cases is of low impact and short duration
• An immediate reduction in energy bills that will continue index-linked and tax-free for 25 years
• Free repair and annual maintenance for 25 years
• Major carbon reduction for new and refurbished buildings
• No capital outlay or operating costs from initial survey to the close of the 25-year FIT agreement

By bringing in world-class partners to complement its own proven skills and capabilities, Northern Bear Renewables has created a business model that is uniquely suited to ensure North East commercial property owners and housing providers can derive maximum benefit from FIT. The environment and the regional economy will benefit alongside the individuals and organisations that take advantage of the package.

CRAFTSMANSHIP, KNOW-HOW AND CUSTOMER SERVICE THE KEYS TO ‘ROOFING AWARDS 2011’ TRIUMPH

August 2011

While Wensley Roofing is accustomed to meeting the challenges and standards of working on high-profile, heritage buildings, replacing the sinuously-curved shingle roof of a converted mill-house at Hamsterley Mill, County Durham stands out even in our portfolio as requiring an exceptional level of craftsmanship and technical knowledge.

This view was shared by John Brash, the leading UK manufacturer of roofing battens and a major supplier of cedar shingles and shakes. The company was so impressed by what we had achieved with its products that it persuaded us to enter Hamsterley Mill for The Roofing Awards - the roofing industry equivalent of the Oscars!

The panel of industry experts who judged the awards shared the John Brash view and judged us winner of the Sustainability (Shingles & Shakes) Category - the only roof slating & tiling company in the North East to win an award this year from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors"

Curved because the original mill building followed the course of the river, the roof is the outstanding feature of a delightful private residence. However, with all the shingles on the beautifully smooth, curved section requiring individual shouldering, we effectively had to create a bespoke Western Red Cedar Shingle roof.

At the same time, we had to maintain sufficient coverage on head and side laps to create a weathertight seal - an achievement that requires high levels of technical competence on such a complex roof.

The earliest part of 28-30 The Close is probably a vaulted stone cellar dating back to the 13th century and the timber framing and masonry walling of later medieval tenements are incorporated in the existing structure.

Our contribution actually went far beyond ‘simply’ replacing the roof. Our technical team, for example, identified for the client where weather performance around two large dormer windows to the back and front of the building could be improved by stopping the shingles short and using traditional lead between the underside of the cill and the shingles to create the weathertight seal. The leading was finished with a bitumen paint to prevent future staining on the shingles.

We also improved on the original specification at no additional cost in another important area. The drawings indicated a bitumen finish to the flat roof on the dormer window to the front of the property but before we removed the original roof covering, we had noticed that the bitumen had resulted in staining to the shingles. We therefore took the decision to upgrade this to a single ply membrane, fixing to the flat roof using adhesive. This eliminated the possibility of unsightly staining that had occurred on the original shingles.

The owner of the house not only went on record to express his appreciation of the quality of our work, he added: "It is refreshing when a company stands by their quote, particularly when the work they carry out is to a higher specification than we originally specified."

Since completing the project, the owners of the house next door have asked us to replace their shingle roof on the strength of a glowing recommendation from their neighbours and the visual evidence of the quality of our work craftsmanship.

MGM wins ‘Conservation Oscar’

June 2011

The conservation of a very special building that encapsulates the social and economic development of Newcastle riverfront has earned a prestigious ‘Property Oscar’ for Northern Bear Group’s specialist construction services company, MGM Limited.

Situated on one of the original five medieval streets of Newcastle upon Tyne, 28-30 The Close - known locally as the Buttress - incorporates structural elements and features from many phases spanning more than 500 years. Retaining this complex historical integrity, while keeping modern interventions ‘honest’, was one of the major achievements of a project that has secured a viable future for a previously vandal-prone building - as well as contributing to the regeneration of the Quayside area.

As main contractor, MGM worked with Edinburgh architect, Simpson & Brown, on a project that earned the approval of the panel of judges assessing the Building Conservation Award category in the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) North East Renaissance Awards - the so-called ‘Property Oscars’. It has automatically gone forward to the national RICS Awards.

In the words of the judges: A challenging and complex project has successfully saved The Close from further deterioration and provided unique accommodation in the city.

Brian Young, Managing Director of MGM, commented: With the requirement to repair all the significant elements of the building from different periods, this involved using appropriate materials and techniques and overcoming a host of problems. The result is a building fit for the iconic Quayside area. Being presented with our Award in front of more than 500 of the region’s property professionals is something everyone in the project team is exceptionally proud of."

The earliest part of 28-30 The Close is probably a vaulted stone cellar dating back to the 13th century and the timber framing and masonry walling of later medieval tenements are incorporated in the existing structure.

In the early 17th century, these three tenements were combined and comprehensively remodelled to create a grand merchant’s house. In the 19th Century, wealthy families were moving away from the riverfront and the building was again extensively remodelled for a new function as a warehouse. The existing ground floor warehouse frontage was formed at this period.

In addition to repairing and preserving a variety of particularly significant features accumulated over the centuries, the current project has prepared the building for a new role as venue for a high-class restaurant and prestige offices.

New recruit at Northern Bear Safety

May 2011

Northern Bear’s health and safety consultancy business, Northern Bear Safety, has expanded its team with the recent recruitment of Andy Grey, who joined the company in January.

Andy, 30, holds the National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety and has spent the last eight years working as an asbestos surveyor, so has vast experience in this particular subject area.

Jason Harrison, managing director of Northern Bear Safety, said: "Andy will help Northern Bear Safety fulfil its obligations to existing customers, as well as giving the extra capacity to continue to expand its current customer base."

New tile system for bungalows

January 2011

Jennings Roofing has recently completed a project to re-roof 20 bungalows and out-buildings at a site in Pocklington, North Yorkshire.

The existing metal roofing system was removed and disposed off site. The new roofing system selected by Jennings Roofing for use on the project was the Kingspan Roof Tile system with a 100mm thick insulation thickness.

“This additional thickness of insulation, not only improved the thermal performance of the property, but also reducing the tenants future energy bills,” said Martin Holmes, Purchase Manager at Jennings Roofing (Leeds).

All verge flashings, abutment flashings and ridge flashings were also renewed by Jennings Roofing to ensure a fully weather tight building. Whereas all the fascias, soffits and guttering were renewed by the main contractor Hobson and Porter, who also covered all matters of health and safety on site.

www.jenningsroofing.com

MGM builds extension to award winning castle hotel

December 2010

Northern Bear’s specialist building business MGM has further cemented its reputation as an expert in heritage construction work by winning the contract to build an extension to a 14th century castle.

It is building a new 50 square metre dining pavilion onto the west face of the historic Langley Castle, which is now a luxury hotel located in the South Tyne valley near Hexham.  The dining pavilion will include floor-to-ceiling windows, special feature slate walls and a living roof planted with moss and grass.

The extension has been designed by Simpson and Brown Architects, who MGM have worked with on several occasions on heritage projects including the recent restoration of a grade 1 listed building on Newcastle’s quayside.

This year Langley Castle Hotel won the North East England Tourism Gold Award for best small hotel, adding to its string of awards in recent years.

All the work is expected to be completed by March 2011.

www.mgm.ltd.uk

Better thermal performance for community centre

December 2010

Jennings Roofing, part of the Northern Bear group, has recently completed a project to re-roof Holton Le Clay Community Centre in Cleethorpes. Jennings Roofing worked alongside Unibuild Building Contractors, the main contractor.

The specification was to remove the existing limestone chippings and install a new tapered insulation scheme to improve the thermal performance and drainage. The tapered insulation was then overlaid using a polyurethane cold applied system. The advantages of using a cold applied system was that all works could be carried out while people were working in the building below and negated the need for a hot works permit.

The main contractor, Unibuild, carried out internal works, as well as fitting new fascias, gutters and timber cladding to the tank house.

Contracts co-ordinator Craig Hebberd said: “All works were carried out within the allotted time by the client and without disruption to the community centre or the adjacent school.”

MGM wins new build contracts at two care homes

November 2010

Specialist construction services company MGM, part of the Northern Bear group, has started work on design and build contracts at two private residential care homes in North East England.

MGM has been engaged by Key Healthcare to build a stand alone unit for people with physical disabilities at the Four Seasons Care Centre in Saltburn.  The new 18 bed facility will increase the overall capacity of the centre by nearly a third.  MGM will also be building a new laundry extension at the centre.

Key Healthcare has also engaged MGM to build a laundry extension at Victoria House Care Centre in Middlesbrough, a grade II listed building.

MGM’s joint managing director Lance Rainey said: “We are delighted to win these contracts for a new client in an expanding market.  We have done refurbishments for care homes before but this is the first design and build contract we’ve undertaken in this sector.”

All the work is expected to be completed by May 2011.

www.mgm.ltd.uk

Fire protection business is Preferred Contractor

November 2010

Northern Bear’s fire protection business, Isoler, has been promoted to the position of Preferred Contractor by Morgan Sindall (Construction) PLC.  Isoler is one of only five contractors in Northern England to achieve this distinction, and the only fire protection company. 

“This comes about in recognition of Isoler’s determination to provide its customers with a cost effective, reliable and quality service,” said Isoler’s Managing Director John Gilstin.   

The photograph shows John Gilstin receiving the certificate from, on the left David Smailes Morgan Sindall Area Director and on the right John Kershaw Commercial Director.

Isoler has other good news. The company has been appointed to carry out the fire protection, air sealing and acoustic sealing for Kier Northern on the multi million pound Josephine Butler Campus in Ashington and the William Leach Campus in Lynmouth. 

www.isoler.co.uk

A1 drives business forward for Parliament tiler

November 2010

A1 Industrial Trucks, part of the Northern Bear group, has expanded the fleet of a long-standing client, Plunkett Tiling.  For more than 30 years Plunkett has been the tiling contractor of choice for the UK’s most prestigious projects, including the Houses of Parliament and Gateshead’s Metro Centre.

A1, the North East’s leading Mitsubishi truck dealer, has been working with Plunkett for over 20 years.  When Plunkett decided to expand its fleet earlier this year, managing director Paddy Plunkett turned to A1’s sales team for expert advice.  “By working with A1, I knew that we would receive complete back-up – including the type of product advice which enhances our use of the truck.” 

A1’s joint managing director Graeme Tennick assisted Paddy throughout the process. He explains: “The customer was looking for an additional truck to assist with the loading and unloading of tiles in the factory.”  Graeme worked with Paddy to provide a truck which met the company’s specific needs.  Plunkett has now purchased a truck outright to add to the fleet.

Paddy Plunkett is delighted with the new addition to his forklift fleet and the after-sales service from A1 Industrial Trucks.  He explains: “Since we began working together, A1 – much like ourselves – has demonstrated a total commitment to its product.  The service quality offered by A1 is first class.” 

www.a1industrialtrucks.co.uk

Chief Executive returns to Jennings Roofing

October 2010

In response to the challenging market conditions that continue to exist in the roofing industry, Graham Jennings, the vendor of Jennings Roofing to Northern Bear in 2008, has reverted to the role of full time Chief Executive of Jennings Roofing.

Graham will continue to serve as the Operations Director for Northern Bear plc, but will be concentrating on the development of Jennings Roofing in both Manchester and Leeds.

Eric Holmes and Martin Briggs will continue in the roles of regional directors for Manchester and Leeds respectively and will report directly to Graham.

In response to this change, Graham Forrest, Chief Executive of Northern Bear commented: “It is great to see Graham Jennings moving back into the Jennings Roofing businesses.  He will undoubtedly strengthen the team, as we look to develop new products and also to exploit opportunities with existing customers.
 
“Both Graham’s desire and his breadth of knowledge and contacts will be invaluable to the business over the coming few years.”

www.jenningsroofing.com

Chirmarn Wins Prestigious Training Award

October 2010

A contract supervisor at Chirmarn, Northern Bear’s asbestos management business, has earned a prestigious national award, the Roy Bent Memorial Trophy for Supervisor of the Year 2009-10.

John McGhin, who has been with Chirmarn for 17 years, was presented with the award by Grant Beglan (right in the picture), chairman of the training committee of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) on Friday 1 October at its AGM in Regents Park, London. 

John earned the award after receiving maximum marks in supervisor refresher training.  He then attended a gruelling theory and practical interview in front of a panel of health and safety experts at ARCA’s HQ in Burton on Trent and against national competition, John emerged triumphant.

Graham Forrest, chief executive of Northern Bear commented, “This is a tremendous honour, not only for John personally, but for the directors of Chirmarn, Dave Wales and Steve Hampton, and also for John’s operations manager, Gary Lilley.  This is testament to the quality and standards throughout Chirmarn and John can be rightly proud of his achievement.”

www.chirmarn.co.uk

Chirmarn directors celebrate 25 years each

September 2010

Two directors of Northern Bear’s asbestos management business Chirmarn are both celebrating 25 years’ service with the company.

Managing Director Dave Wales (pictured right) and Operations Director Steve Hampton both joined Chirmarn in 1985. They are the two longest-serving employees and together they bring to Chirmarn more than 65 years of priceless experience in every aspect of the asbestos removal and management industry.

Chirmarn was founded in 1976 and acquired by Northern Bear plc in May 2007.

www.chirmarn.co.uk

Isoler wins contract for Nissan electric car plant

September 2010

Northern Bear’s fire protection business, Isoler, has landed a pivotal role in the next generation of motoring.  It has been chosen to carry out the structural fire protection for Sir Robert McAlpine on the new Nissan Motors UK battery plant. 

The new battery plant will be able to produce 60,000 lithium-ion batteries a year.  These will be used in the production of electric cars such as the LEAF, which is due for launch in 2013.  Isoler’s work will begin Monday 6 September.  This contract is one of several which Isoler is carrying out for Sir Robert McAlpine in the north east.  Other contracts include Walker Technology College, Northumberland University Sports Facility, Gosforth High School and Knoplaw School.

John Gilstin, managing director of Isoler, says, “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious project.  This is a groundbreaking development which affects not just the North East, but the entire UK.”

This contract is the latest of several which Isoler has won recently.  It has also been appointed by Laing O’Rourke to carry out the structural fire protection on two projects in Greater Manchester: Higher Broughton Community Hub and Wheatersfield Primary School.

www.isoler.co.uk

Valueworks contract completed for Springs Roofing

 August 2010

Springs Roofing, part of the Northern Bear group, has recently completed its first major refurbishment contract sourced through Valueworks® procurement services.

Springs Roofing refurbished the roofs and replaced the rainwater goods on 250 houses in north west County Durham for Derwentside Homes, a major supplier of social housing in the county.

Unusually, Springs Roofing just provided the skilled labour and the materials were sourced directly via Valueworks®.

“This is a new way of working for us and one that is likely to become more common,” said Matthew Rowley, contracts director at Springs.  “It works well for us because we get to work directly for the client instead of being a subcontractor.  We used to work for Derwentside Homes years ago but we haven’t had the opportunity recently.”

Springs Roofing has just started a second contract sourced by Valueworks® also for social housing refurbishment this time for Your Homes Newcastle.

www.springsroofing.co.uk

Gold safety awards seven years running

August 2010

For the seventh year running Wensley Roofing, part of the Northern Bear group, has won Gold in the Occupational Health & Safety Awards run by RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).  RoSPA specifically recognises organisations that achieve the Gold Award for five consecutive years or more with an award of Gold Medal status.

Wensley Roofing has also won a Gold safety award from the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, for the sixth consecutive year.

Managing director Ian Young said: "We are delighted to receive this further public recognition of our total commitment to health and safety. Over the last seven years we have developed and rigorously implemented policies and procedures that protect the workforce, the general public and the environment."

These achievements are recognition of the very high priority that Wensley Roofing, and Northern Bear plc, place on health and safety.  Last year Northern Bear Safety Ltd was set up to provide expert health and safety training and consultancy to companies in the group and to other businesses.

www.wensleyroofing.com

New roof, walls and doors

July 2010

Jennings Roofing, part of the Northern Bear group, did much more than repair the roof when it refurbished a storage building at a Leeds builders merchant.  It replaced the roof, walls and doors and completed the work without interrupting the business.

The building had reached the end of its useful lifespan. The asbestos cladding had started to break off causing water ingress to the building and damage to stock.

The work included isolating the electricity supply and removing the asbestos sheeting to the walls and roof. This was done by a licensed contractor and disposed of in an approved manner. Jennings Roofing also removed five roller shutter doors and replaced them with two. To make this work, additional steelwork had to be added where the doors were removed to accommodate the vertical cladding.

The steel work internally was also painted. Once complete, safety netting was installed and an external scaffold erected to commence cladding of the roof.

Once cladding had been completed and scaffolding removed, new rainwater goods were installed. The new roller shutter doors were wired up to the electrics and commissioned upon our completion.

Contracts co-ordinator Craig Hebberd said “We completed all the works within the tight timescale required by the client, without affecting the day to day trading inside the builders merchants.”

www.jenningsroofing.com

Northern Bear Safety thriving

July 2010

Northern Bear Safety Ltd, part of the Northern Bear group, continues to thrive in difficult times and has recently been retained as health and safety consultants by the multi-award-winning Thompson Building Centres, based in Sunderland with 12 branches across the north east region.

Northern Bear Safety’s portfolio now boasts clients from a wide range of industries including steel fabrication, ground works, security, scaffolding, electrical specialists and waste recycling, all of whom have retained the company to provide safety advice and support. 

Jason Harrison, Managing Director, said: “Our growth shows that companies in all areas of industry realise that in order to win business in these difficult times, it is essential to demonstrate to customers that they have a robust safety management system in place, along with competent, trained employees.

“We have helped a number of businesses either revitalise their current systems or create new, bespoke, policies and procedures that have helped them win new work from new customers.”   
 
Northern Bear Safety Ltd was set up by Northern Bear plc to provide training and consultancy in health, safety and environmental issues for businesses involved in construction and related industries.

Northern Bear Safety’s experienced team includes Managing Director Jason Harrison and Safety, Health and Environmental Manager David Neasham.

Jason Harrison’s safety career began in the railway industry in 1997, following seven years’ service in the Royal Navy.  In 2008 he moved into the construction industry as Group Safety Manager for Northern Bear plc before establishing Northern Bear Safety Ltd as a stand alone consultancy.

David Neasham’s career as a safety professional began in 2003 as Safety, Health and Environmental Manager for Wensley Roofing Ltd, following 20 years’ experience in the construction industry.

Both are Chartered members of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) and have numerous health, safety and environmental qualifications.

Picture shows Jason Harrison (left) and David Neasham

www.northern-bear-safety.com

Isoler happy to go back to school

July 2010

Northern Bear’s fire protection business, Isoler, has reinforced its strong reputation in the education sector by winning contracts for work on two major new facilities with a total build cost of over £50m.

When completed in 2011, the new developments for Hartlepool College of Further Education and Walker Technology College will be two of the region’s most up-to-date educational facilities with state of the art equipment.

Isoler has been engaged by the main contractors Miller Construction (Hartlepool) and Sir Robert McAlpine (Walker) to provide a comprehensive range of building integrity services including fire protection, fire stopping, air sealing and acoustic separation.

Isoler will be involved on both projects from the drawing board to the finished buildings. It will work with the architects and designers to ensure that the buildings meet all the statutory requirements. It will also work closely with the client and other sub-contractors on the project to ensure that these facilities are robust and energy efficient, provide for the needs of the students and look stunning.

Isoler has continued to expand its portfolio of expertise in acoustics and air tightness works. This is not restricted to new build projects. Recent works undertaken include schools built in the 1960s and ‘70s where improvements to existing buildings have greatly reduced sound transfer and heating costs with the installation of new fire compartment walls and cavity barriers.

www.isoler.co.uk

Wensley Roofing wins its largest ever repair contract

June 2010

Wensley Roofing, part of the Northern Bear group, has been awarded a major roofing maintenance contract by Isos Housing Group, one of the largest providers of supported housing in the North East region. 

The work involves providing a day-to-day efficient response service for roofing maintenance and repair of approximately 8,200 houses in Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Tees Valley. It is the biggest maintenance contract that Wensley Roofing has undertaken.

Isos Housing Group comprises three major housing associations (Milecastle Housing, NomadE5 and Castle Morpeth Housing) and two development companies. It owns and manages around 12,000 properties.

Wensley Roofing has previously worked for NomadE5 and Project Manager Jeremy Askew is delighted to have been awarded a contract by the larger group.  He said: "We are very excited at being awarded such a prestigious contract and look forward to establishing a close working relationship with Isos Housing Group for many years to come."

John McKernan, Head of Technical Services for Milecastle Housing, who awarded the contract on behalf of Isos Housing Group, said: "We are delighted to have Wensley Roofing on board and look forward to working with them in the future in such a way that will benefit both companies and the residents of Isos."

www.wensleyroofing.com

Old brewery restored for new biology

June 2010

Specialist construction services company MGM, part of the Northern Bear group, has completed the restoration and refurbishment of the historic building at the heart of the University of Newcastle’s brand new medical science complex incorporating the Institute of Health and Society and the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology.

The grade II listed building, known as Leazes House and more recently Transport House, is an important part of Newcastle’s 18th century industrial heritage. From 1837 to 1968 it formed part of the Leazes Brewery.

The main contractor BAM Construction employed MGM to use its renown expertise to fully restore and alter the building for its change of use.

A point of interest in the property is the main staircase. Its design is one of only six in the country; the treads of the stair are cantilevered through timber stud partition walls on all levels. MGM restored the staircase and installed new ornamental wrought iron balustrades capped with a new walnut handrail.

www.mgm.ltd.uk

Range of skills used on Cloisters roof

March 2010

Jennings Roofing (Leeds), part of the Northern Bear group, has recently completed a project to re-roof the Warden's Flat at the Cloisters, Beverley, East Yorkshire.

The pitched roof had been recovered in Welsh slates. The existing slates had to be stripped off and set aside for re-use along with the introduction of new timber battens and breathable felt. In keeping, with the surrounding area, new lead roll was laid to the all hips of the pitched roof.

The perimeter box gutter had been previously laid incorrectly using lead. This had allowed water to penetrate the building into the flats below. It was decided by the client to recover the box gutter using a single ply roofing membrane with new powder coated edge cappings.

"This project clearly shows the diversity of work that Jennings Roofing can carry out, incorporating slating, leadwork and single ply," said Craig Hebberd, Contracts Co-ordinator.

www.jenningsroofing.com