Steel firm continues family legacy by restoring local icon

A multi-generation steelworks company is collaborating on the historic restoration of the Tyne Bridge, linking past and present for the iconic North East landmark.

Esh Construction has partnered with G Nicholson (Engineer) Ltd, a family-owned steel firm founded in 1954, for the extensive restoration project aimed at preparing the Tyne Bridge for its centenary in 2028.

Led by father and son Paul and Charlie Nicholson, the Nicholson family’s involvement continues a legacy that began with the bridge’s maintenance in 1984 under George Nicholson, the firm’s founder. The Nicholson family have also worked on a number of notable North East projects in the past, including the High Level Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Newburn Bridge, Redheugh Bridge and the Tyne Tunnel.

Paul Nicholson, managing director, said: “Working on the Tyne Bridge for a second time is a great achievement for our business.

“We’re now delivering necessary repairs to steelwork, such as removing and replacing rivets, changing horizontal and vertical connection plates, replacing structural joints in footways and repairs to horizontal and vertical sway bracing.”

The current restoration requires over 1000 structural repairs, including steelwork and repainting, tasks reminiscent of those the Nicholson family performed four decades ago.

Paul added: “The Tyne Bridge is an iconic structure and to be a local company working on something like this, it’s really a proud moment for us and it’s poignant to be continuing the work.

“The work our family has actioned previously has come to its natural end of life and it’s now getting actioned again. We’re 40 years on now and for Charlie, he might even be around to do the next round of repairs.”

The restoration of the Tyne Bridge is being delivered by Esh Construction on behalf of Newcastle City Council and Gateshead Council using funding from the Government and both councils.

Stephen McClean, construction manager at Esh Construction, added: “It is great to be working with a local fabrication firm with history of previous maintenance schemes on the Tyne Bridge.

“Their knowledge and expertise have proven vital to the progress to date, from working closely with John and Paul through the Stage 1 investigation works to now on site with Paul and Charlie, three generations of Nicholson’s helping Esh to return this local icon to its former glory.”

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