Gateshead Council engages with local businesses to support new developments

Local contractor Wates Construction has launched a drive to grow its supply chain across the region to support the delivery of two new Gateshead Council developments.

Working with Gateshead Council, over 70 suppliers and subcontractors attended a Meet the Buyer event.

This gave local businesses the chance to register to become part of the project teams for the new Gibside School and the redevelopment of the former Clasper Village estate.

Building work at the new Gibside School in Saltwell will see Wates create a bespoke Special Educational Needs learning centre to accommodate 170 pupils with learning difficulties, complex communication and medical needs.

Paul Dodsworth, managing director for Wates Construction North, said: “Engaging local supply chain partners is a fundamental part of Wates’ expanding presence in the North East, through which we are fully committed to boosting the local economy and job market.

“We’re very proud to be working with Gateshead Council at Gibside School and Clasper Village, both of which will serve the local community and respond to specialist education and housing needs.”

The school has been designed by Gateshead Council and will feature secure external play facilities, a sensory courtyard and a hydrotherapy treatment pool.

Alongside its delivery of the new school, Wates is also preparing to commence work to build a major new development of 191 new homes on the site of the former 1960s Clasper Village estate.

The new housing development will comprise 29 different housing styles and will include 44 two-, 69 three- and 30 four-bedroom houses as well as 42 two-bedroom apartments across the 16-acre site.

Cllr John Adams, cabinet member for the economy at Gateshead Council, added: “We’re committed to making Gateshead a place where everyone thrives.

“Over the next 20 years we will continue to transform the borough which includes building 9,000 new homes and a £250m arena, conference and exhibition centre at Gateshead Quays.

“A key part of that is to ensure that local businesses have the opportunity to benefit from the development that’s taking place.”

Work on both Gibside School and the former Clasper Village is expected to commence later this year.

Wates’ presence in the North East also recently included its appointment to build Teesside University’s new £21.4m Cornell Quarter.

This closely followed the contractor’s completion of the National Horizons Centre at Darlington’s Central Park.

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