Regeneration of Grade II listed estate shortlisted for Roofing Awards 2016

Last December saw the completion of the regeneration scheme at the Byker Wall Estate in Newcastle and the project has been shortlisted for the Roofing Awards 2016 in the Solar category. 

Work first started in block stages in August 2014, to the Grade II listed estate that was formed in the late 1960s, replacing the former Victorian housing. The community benefitted from major investment in the estate made by the Byker Community Trust.

County Durham based Hodgson Sayers was brought in by its client, Keepmoat which was the main contractor for the external work refurbishment of the Byker Wall. The project was overseen by Your Homes Newcastle.

Repairs took place to Byker Crescent, Felton Walk, Long Hedlum, Raby Crescent, Shipley Rise, Shipley Walk and Dalton Crescent.

Due to weathering over the years the wall was in a bad condition and in need of repair. The Grade II status and the historic and architectural importance of the structure demanded that all materials were identical or sympathetic to the existing design.

Objectives:

• Listing fabric of the building to be maintained and record made of all materials and skills used for historical purposes
• Work to be carried out in seven block stages and ongoing throughout the two year project. Repairs to the walkways, balconies and the entire roofing infrastructure which spans 6,000 square metres
• Repairs included stripping out and replacing filon sheeting to the private balconies and walkways
• Aluminium profile sheeting and timber trusses replaced with Bauder felt roofing
• Rainwater goods installed along with new rainwater pipes to the guttering to ensure it is remains watertight
• Solar photovoltaic panels installed to the roof coverings approx. 66KWp to various areas
• At all times communication with residents and clients took place and a community liaison officer oversaw the project so that very little disruption was caused for people living in the area

Project feedback:

The project was part of the on-going regeneration scheme with the focus on the iconic landmark to ensure the radical and striking design has a sustainable legacy. Decades of knowledge from individuals involved in the original construction and maintenance was used in a collaborative approach to ensure the vision of the innovative architect Ralph Erskine was preserved.

For more from this company visit their website www.hodgson-sayers.co.uk