We are proud to announce the successful completion of essential repair works at the National Glass Centre.

We were employed by the University of Sunderland to undertake critical structural stabilisation works. This project involved carefully disassembling street furniture, installing safety barriers to safeguard the public walkway, and installation of steelwork. This was followed by decorative elements, replacement of large glass panel and the installation of a replacement entrance flashing. A meticulous clean was actioned to the pathway before concluding our work. Throughout the project, we prioritized safety and exercised great care, especially given the high foot traffic along the riverside.

Our team at Vest Construction worked diligently to ensure the project was completed with precision and care.

Thank you to everyone involved in the project for their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. We are honoured to contribute to preserving such an iconic landmark in our region.

St Aidan’s CPK showcased VEST’s ability to manage a diverse range of tasks within a single project. VEST was engaged by Durham University to execute the following works:

• Builders Work
• Electrical Work
• Line Hatching
• Mechanical Works
• Decoration
• RWG Installation
• Roof Repairs
• Installation of a New External Laundry Door
• Extension of Tarmac Path, including Balustrades
• Internal Fixtures
• Drainage Work
• Relocation of Blast Chiller Condenser
• Acoustic Fencing
• Landscaping
• Fire Alarm and Alarm System Works
• External Duct Work

Overall, VEST demonstrated it’s capacity to effectively handle staggered and varied tasks throughout the project.

In July 2024, we began an extensive bathroom refurbishment project across 33 student flats in Durham. The work involved a complete overhaul, with outdated bathrooms being stripped out and replaced by modern, high-quality bathroom pods.

The project ran seamlessly from start to finish we were delighted to receive personal appreciation from the university for the successful completion of the works.

In July 2024, refurbishment and alteration works began at Highwood House. The project aims to combine two domestic properties into a single building for university use, along with a comprehensive re-roofing programme.

The construction of a new build pavilion began in March 2024. The architectural design features a curved SFS (Steel Frame Structure) that compliments the layout of the school, providing an aesthetically pleasing finish. The works also involve associated drainage and external works.

The project is located in a very busy school environment, as always, meticulous care is being taken to ensure safety and minimal disruption.

This month we successfully tendered for a £850k roofing project at Cleveland Health Centre, Middlesbrough. The works commenced this month and consist of an abundance of exterior works from a full flat roof replacement to façade improvements/upgrades.

Construction works to revamp all three stories of Old Burtons Menswear store and vacant post office building in Bishop Auckland successfully commenced mid March. We are delighted to be a part of this regeneration project in our own town and help bring Bishop Auckland's high street back to life. The scope of works will transform the derelict building with conversion works set to create 10 luxury apartments and a new retail venue. The programme involves works to the historical facade, construction of extension to rear of the building and major internal refurb works.

Please visit the links below for further information:

https://www.bishopaucklandregeneration.com/news/big-changes-at-47-newgate-street/
https://swd.news/planning-permission-granted-to-revitalise-the-old-burtons-store/

March 20th marked the commencement of refurbishment works to the University of Sunderland’s  Gateway Level 01 and Edinburgh Level 05. The aim of the project is to create office accommodation to suite a flexible/agile working layout, in addition to the refurbishment of Edinburgh Level 03 in order to create a new teaching facility.

The scope of works involves a mass of demolition tasks alongside substantial reconfiguration & refurbishment works. This will be accompanied by major M&E works, the introduction of protected fire lobbies, installation of network infrastructure and the removal of redundant CAT 5 cabling.

Following the successful completion of refurbishment works to Alnwick and Richmond blocks, we were delighted to have also been awarded the contract for Jarrow Block. The 48-bedroom accommodation will undergo substantial refurbishment works resulting in a completely updated building. The project will involve a full programme of works consisting of completely renovating the kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, corridors, and communal areas.

In January 2023, refurbishment works commenced to the Dental Department at Sunderland Royal Hospital. We were thrilled to be awarded another competitive scheme at the Hospital following multiple previous successful projects. The nature of these works comprised of remodelling rooms within the Dental Department to provide new facilities. Associated mechanical and electrical works were also carried out involving the installation of specialist medical equipment. The works followed a strict regime including out of hours and weekend works. The programme is due to successfully complete at the end of March 2023.

This month we commenced works at Chillingham Road Primary School in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The works will involve the construction of an extension to the front of the school alongside a lift installation. The project is scheduled to complete mid to late spring 2023.

Following the success of ASPG Phase 1, in February 2022 were awarded the second phase of works which was undertaken during the summer of 2022.

Phase 2 involved refurbishment works to numerous areas in Dawson Building, Hallgarth House and Biosciences Department.

Dawson Building undertook works to the whole 3rd floor. The re-modelling works involved erecting new walls, M&E services, fire stopping, new ceilings, new door sets, new flooring, decoration and FFE installations.

Hallgarth House took a similar programme of works with remodeling works including erecting a new wall, M&E works, fire stopping, new door sets, decoration, new flooring and installation of FFE.

Biosciences department undertook a variety of works to the 1st and 2nd floor involving scaffolding handrails to the roof to create a new opening for vents, fire stopping, new ceilings, new door sets, M&E, decoration, new flooring, installation of benching & FFE. The 2nd floor works consisted of new benching, removal & reinstatement of Mars 1500 biological safety cabinet, M&E, works to gases supplied to labs and installation of oxygen free chamber.

The sites were fully utilised by staff and students 24/7 and adjacent properties remained open throughout the works with high footfall within the area, this therefore meant the project involved substantial planning and co-ordination to ensure that the works did not affect the university, staff and students.

In 2022 we completed the full refurbishment to lecture theatre D110, Durham University. The refurbishment scheme commenced in April 2022 and was fully completed only 5 months later. The contract was to upgrade and modernise the lecture theatre with state of the art AV facilities and full replacement of the mechanical ventilation system. Having carried out numerous refurbishment projects for Durham University, we were thrilled to be awarded yet another contract highlighting the success of our previous works.

Overall, the project ran smoothly, and the desired outcome was achieved. Works were completed to a high standard, and we were pleased with yet again another successful project.

In 2022 we completed the full refurbishment & alterations to flats 45 & 46 at Panns Bank (University of Sunderland). The £500,000 refurbishment scheme commenced in May 2022 and consisted of major alterations to the outdated accommodation.

The internal works initially commenced with a soft strip to the 12 ensuite bedrooms and 2 kitchens/lounges involving the demolition of partition walls, flooring and ceilings. This was followed by more prudent demolition works which included temporary propping to stabilise the building ready to knock out the load bearing walls in preparation for the steelwork.

Steelwork beams were fitted and secured with new walls being constructed to fit the desired layout. The temporary works were removed, and further new block work walls were erected alongside the installation of new M&E services & fire stopping.

Each self-contained room was fitted with a state-of-the-art shower pod including, glass entrance doors, shower, WC and wash hand basin.

Ceilings were installed to the rooms and corridors followed by plaster skimming to the walls and ceilings. The existing floor was taken up on both levels as it was found to contain flammable materials. We had to remove all of the existing floors and re-laid with a non-flammable material. Specialist flooring contractors then laid the flooring finishes. Our joiners actioned a 1st & 2nd fix involving door frames, doors, fitting of kitchen units and much more associated timber works. The internal works were completed with fixtures, fittings and furniture.

The 1st floor entailed a balcony/patio area where we lifted the existing rotting timber decking and replaced with new decking.

As part of the works, we carried out the installation of a new power supply cable to power this building and a kiosk ready for the future flats that are also to be upgraded. This involved excavations, trenching, builders work and making good works to the disturbed area of ground. A new concrete base was laid in order to sit the new supply unit. Once the new power supply was installed it was cautiously tested and successfully working.

Testing & commissioning was then carried out internally alongside a final clean, snag and a successful handover to the university in September 2022

The project ran smoothly during the works despite the substantial additional works that had to be incorporated into the scheme. The completed scheme has been complimented and welcomed by the accommodation staff and the university in general and has set the standard for future refurbishments schemes to achieve.

In summer 2022 we were thrilled to be awarded with Phase 2 of the Teaching & Learning Framework contract for Durham University. This followed a very successful completion of phase 1 works. The works encompassed the refurbishment of various locations across the Durham University Campus, including mechanical, electrical and AV upgrades.

This second phase of works identifies nine existing rooms included within this project scope of works. The works included but were not limited to:

• Full & partial strip outs
• Asbestos removal
• Works to facias
• Replacement roofing
• Replace windows and doors
• Installation of new steelwork
• Install of new roof plant
• Erection of new partitions
• M&E works, Joinery Works, Plastering
• Flooring works
• Floor finishes, Decoration, Wall tiling
• Installation of multiple suspended ceilings
• FFE & AV equipment installations

Works to Great North House commenced in January 2022. The project followed a strict regime of works resulting in the full refurbishment of the building focusing specifically on sustainability and energy efficiency. Constructed in 1990 the building hosts office accommodation, a reception area and enclosed parking facilities.

The scope of works involved improvements to the building’s fabric and replacement of the existing plant to support the decarbonisation of the building and reduce carbon emissions.

Overall, the works consisted of new solar PV to the roof, roof coverings, all new external window and doors, new M&E installation to all floors, new suspended ceilings to all floors and a new external plant room (single storey new build) to house the new air source heat pump.

Playground extension works commenced to this primary school in Willington in May 2022. The works were carried out in a live school environment therefore all works were executed with minimum noise and annoyance to avoid disturbance/interference to the school. We also meticulously scheduled the work where possible to allow more disruptive works to be carried out in the Easter break. Following site set up, the site was cleared, and excavation works commenced.

The ground level of the new playground area was reduced, the car park was prepped, a new ACO drainage system was installed, a new pedestrian opening was formed in the external wall from the main highway into the new playground followed by the construction of a ramped footpath.

The stones laid in the extension area and path were then levelled off and tarmac was laid. Throughout the works the architect & client decided to alter the design to reduce the wall height and use metal fencing to provide better visibility. We of course accommodated this mid-work change in design and provided the client with their new desired design. To finish off the works, we topped off the boarders with bark chippings to give a tidy finish and suppress weeds. The compound was then cleared, all waste was removed, and the tarmac was swept down ready to hand back over to the school.

The project at Grundfos Manufacturing encompassed the construction of a single storey engineering office alongside alterations to the existing factory building.

Initially, we addressed the existing building alterations. This involved creating a new door opening in blockwork partition, joinery works, blocking up old openings, suspended ceiling alterations, reinstall of glass partitions to accommodate new layout, alterations to M&E and decoration.

The block work extension was constructed following a tight 17-week programme. This involved the construction of blockwork walls, installation of steel support beams, block and beam flooring, screed floor, fire rated windows, stud walls, M&E works, create new opening from existing office to extension, plaster boarding, doors, frames, joinery works, suspended ceiling installation, fire stopping, decoration, flooring and a thorough clean throughout.

The extension was built to a high standard thus receiving fantastic feedback from the client.

The works concluded with the final fix of items and loose furniture followed by the execution of a final clean. The building was successfully handed back over to the client/user in September 2021. The project was well managed with minimal issues, disruptions and to the client’s desire. The client was very pleased with the finished result.

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation has united Durham School and The Choristers School.

The amalgamation of Durham School and The Chorister School resulted in the need for substantial refurbishment works to the buildings.

With The Choristers school being a world heritage site recognised for its ‘outstanding universal value and Durham School founded in 1414 (18^th Oldest school in Britain) the works followed a strict programme.

We received fantastic feedback from the head and first principle.

St Chads student living refurbishment came to a completion in September 2021. The series of works completely transformed the outdated and retired building into contemporary living space offering the aspirational student lifestyle desired. Grads House is set in the centre of Durham City with less than a 200 metre walk to Durham Cathedral.

Whilst still retaining the grade ii listed buildings truly remarkable historical character, we carried out numerous essential structural repairs including full re-render, new windows, new doors, brickwork repairs and the roof was renewed.

The internal upgrade works involved the reconfiguration and refurbishment of 21 student bedrooms. As part of the works we constructed a new shared kitchen, reconstructed 14 bathrooms, carried out substantial floor plan reconfiguration works, transformed the rear garden, upgraded the fireproofing and created a new launderette.

We are delighted to reveal that we have been presented an NCFB Bursary Award. This award will assist in supporting new starter, Solomon Cornwell, with training in the coming years.

Solomon will be working towards his Level 2 Joinery Apprenticeship where he will be given on and off-site training throughout the course of the next 2 years.

Further information can be read at:

Business Live , The Northern Echo & Times Magazine

Works have successfully concluded on The Research Institute Building at Netpark. The £1.4m enterprise zone has undergone a series of refurbishment works in the past weeks in order to create a contemporary working environment integrating the newest technologies. The revamp of the research building included the construction a war room, prototyping room, redeveloping room layouts, internal & external decoration, signage, amendments to floor heights, remodelling of the reception/showcase area, landscaping, and M&E Works.

We are delighted to have secured a £1.5m Durham University refurbishment project. The development compromises of a variety of complex works to transform the level 1 teaching lab and a number of the research laboratories into state-of-the-art teaching/learning areas.

The job will involve M&E works, installation of new fume cupboard, new timber flooring, floor finishes, new laboratory benching, decoration, acoustic panelling, emergency door alterations, window modifications, formation of new technician’s office and a variety of other works.

In May 2021 we successfully completed the £900K refurbishment of D44 ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital. The ward was the first to be fully stripped back to its shell works. Works commenced in November and we had to overcome a series of challenges, including the renewal of services and drainage on our floor which fed or affected the floors above and below which were live COVID19 wards in the middle of the 2nd wave, so the works had to be methodically planned and agreed to ensure that these wards could maintain full occupancy and were not affected by our works.

The ward was on the fourth floor and fairly central which created other challenges. Access to and from the ward for labour, materials and waste and to be planned and sequenced around the busy periods, and the corridors, etc. had to be kept clinically clean throughout the works. Noise and vibration were other issues that we had to consider and plan/agree our works so that we did not affect the surrounding wards and consultation rooms etc.

Overall the works went well and the refurbished ward has set the benchmark for the planned future ward refurbs at the hospital.

We are exceptionally pleased to announce that the renovation of seven buildings as part of the Locomotion’s historical refurbishment project has very successfully concluded construction works for the Science Museum Group.

The 7 buildings that underwent refurbishment works include the former house of Timothy Hackworth (Soho Houses), the 1800’s Welcome Building, Good Shed, Soho Shed, Soho Cottages, the Parcel Office, and the Black Boy Building.

The project conquered several obstacles throughout 2020 including a 13-week COVID 19 shutdown, numerous variations & discovery of asbestos containing materials.

It has been a privilege to have been involved in helping to preserve Shildon’s, the North East's and Britain's railway heritage for future generations.

In January after a series of delays caused by COVID, we completed the works on Bishop Cosins Library. The library is a historic and monumental building that holds a Grade II listing and a wealth of history. The library, founded in 1669, is meters away from the renowned Durham Cathedral.

Before works could commence, due to the nature of this job extreme measures were taken from the outset to protect the historic and irreplaceable furnishings and fittings. We had to move and protect the historic bookcases, balustrading, flooring, etc. within the main Hall Library. The restoration works consisted of hacking off and replastering in new lime plaster, repairs to the stairs, decoration, installing UV protection to windows, structural repairs to walls and internal stone repairs to windows.

Further works were carried out in other areas of the building including the offices and the reception area, where we again hacked off the plaster to carry out repairs and then re plastered with lead. Once this was completed and drying time was finished (can take 6 months to dry) we then begun the decoration.

Externally to enable the roofing works to be carried out (coverings, overlay of asphalt, leadwork, structural repairs, etc.), a large temporary roof had to be installed over the whole building to ensure that the inside of the building was not damaged by the weather. As part of the works and to help preserve the external walls, we carried out stone replacements, stone repairs, repointing, rebuilding, etc. across the whole façade. In total circa 300 stones were replaced. All elevations were fully scaffolded in order to assess the entire buildings health alongside providing the upmost safety for the workers on site.

It is with deep sadness that we must report the death of Darren Cooke, Contracts Director, shareholder, and friend.

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Darren was a well-liked and respected person in and out of work.

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On 27^th October 2020 Darren passed away peacefully in James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough after only being diagnosed with Sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) a couple of weeks earlier.

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It is unbelievable how rapidly this disease affected Darren. Most of you will know he lived a fit and healthy lifestyle and even throughout August he continued to ride his bike around the hills and roads of County Durham and North Yorkshire.

Darren will be a massive loss to the company and our staff /employees, many of whom have worked with him or known him for 20 to 40 years.

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Our condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

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Darren’s funeral will be held at Coundon Crematorium on Friday 6^th November at 2.30pm. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions the ceremony will be restricted to invited people, but it may be possible to show your respect outside the crematorium, but please respect COVID regulations and maintain social distancing. The family have requested no flowers, but would welcome donations to Bishop Auckland FC whom Darren and VEST Construction have supported for many years.

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http://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/darrencooke

This month we have been fortunate in being awarded another contract with the NHS.

The works to be carried out at Blyth Health centre are due to commence September 2020. The project will include roof upgrades (circa 40k) and landscaping repairs to be sequenced over a weekend (circa 20k).

After a long shutdown due to COVID19 works recommence in June 2020 and are progressing well. The main roof is now complete and the temporary over roof has been removed.

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After a long shutdown due to COVID19 the project is back on track for completion in January 2021. Works are complete on a 3 of the 7 buildings and the objective of the scheme is to make all 7 buildings watertight, structurally safe and to preserve the historic buildings for future generations.

Goods Shed - Completed

Unfortunately due to the Global pandemic and the government lock down, many of our clients instructed us to close their sites. The majority of our other sites closed within days of the government's announcements due to a shortage of materials, unavailability of sub-contractors and/or the uneasiness of asking our operatives to work and risk spreading COVID19.

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At the end of April the supply chains became more fluid and we were more comfortable that some of our sites could open safety and were COVID19 secure. As a result we opened up sites as and when our clients permitted us to do so and have adopted the government guidance and industry best practices on our sites to mitigate the risk of spreading and catching COVID19. Our measures and sites are under constant review going forward and measures and working practices will be adapted and altered to keep our workforce, sub-contractors, & public as safe as practically possible.