Member Article

SCH completes steel installation for Metrocentre redevelopment

Newton Aycliffe steel firm SCH Site Services has completed a 350-tonne project working on intu Metrocentre’s new Qube II extension.

Winning the contract from Sir Robert McAlpine, the firm was tasked with installing 215 tonnes of steel for the new development, as well as complex strengthening and roof light projects.

Part of a £17m development, the project was part of intu’s plans to increase the variety of dining options available at the Gateshead shopping centre.

The new extension has added 11 new restaurants to intu Metrocentre, while intu is also investing in Eldon Square with a £25m development in Grey’s Quarter, adding 20 new restaurants.

Formed in 2006, SCH first operated as a crane hire company with four mobile cranes and four drivers working for local companies, but it grew into steelwork and in 2011 recorded a turnover of £325,000.

After moving into new premises in 2012, sales grew to £2.2m and then £3.43m before hitting £4.1m in 2013, £4.1m in 2014 and £4.5m in 2015, while staff numbers have also doubled to 40 in the last four years.

As well as Sir Robert McAlpine, SCH also boasts B & K Structures, Wates Group (formerly Shepherd Construction), Interserve, Hall Construction, Peikko and Balfour Beatty among its client list.

SCH managing director Gary Finley said of the intu Metrocentre extension: “The 215-tonne extension consisted of primary structural steelwork which had to be erected within a service yard surrounded by two-storey buildings on all four sides.

“The steel was delivered through a service tunnel on 45-foot trailers, and we had to work both days and nights to erect the steelwork to ensure we met a tight programme deadline.”

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