Esh Construction has been appointed as the design and build contractor for the development of a new headquarters for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Located in Clear Water Business Park on the Thornaby bank of the Tees, Dunedin House will undergo a significant remodeling and refurbishment to create a collaborative and flexible work environment for council employees.
This development will allow the Council to consolidate 10 existing administration buildings that no longer meet the requirements for efficient workspaces due to their age and condition. By doing so, the Council will be able to improve service delivery and achieve greater financial efficiency.
Esh Construction began the project in July after a nine-month period of design, proposals, and consultations in partnership with a local design team. The development is expected to be completed in Summer 2024.
Chris Hale, the pre-construction director at Esh Construction, expressed delight about being chosen as the contractor for this project. He emphasized the commitment of the local contractor to support the surrounding communities by procuring locally. For the project team, Esh Construction selected local consultants, including P&HS Architects based in Stokesley and SINE Consulting based in Stockton. Throughout the project, Esh Construction plans to reinvest £3m into the Tees Valley.
The Council purchased Dunedin House as an alternative to constructing a new headquarters due to its suitable size, location, condition, and proposed sale price. Councillor Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, sees the purchase as a fantastic opportunity to bring the building back into prime use and create an excellent working environment for staff and visitors. He looks forward to working with Esh Construction on this journey, expecting the building to drive significant footfall in Stockton town centre.
Procured through the NEPO framework, the project will involve demolition works, removal of partitions, and construction of new partitions and glazed screens to establish a new layout. Maval Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Co Ltd, based in Middlesbrough, will handle substantial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works, including lighting, toilet upgrades, washrooms, fire alarm systems, mechanical ventilation, and cooling systems. The final touches will include full decoration, window repair, new flooring and doors, along with the installation of desks, chairs, and meeting pods.
