(Image: Angela Carrington)
A multi-million pound redevelopment project aimed at improving efficiency, safety and operations for council services has been completed in the North East.
The approximately £5 million upgrade at South Tyneside Council’s Middlefields Depot, led by Howarth Litchfield, has transformed the 60,000 square metre site into a modern, efficient and safer working environment.
Howarth Litchfield was appointed as lead consultant through the North East Procurement Portal (NEPO) framework and managed a full design team for the project.
Dave Pickersgill, Technical Director at Howarth Litchfield, said: "Middlefields has been a rewarding yet complicated project that required intense coordination and quick reactions from the entire design team.
"Working within a live, 24-hour operational site presented significant logistical challenges, which were further compounded by the discovery of numerous unknown underground obstructions during the excavation phase.
"Despite these obstacles, we have successfully modernised the site’s infrastructure.
"Our focus was on rationalising the space to address long-standing issues with site security, vehicle movement and staff facilities, ensuring the depot is fit for the future."
The scheme included a major reorganisation of the site to improve traffic flow and overall operations.
The Highways Department was relocated to create space for dedicated fleet and staff parking, an MOT area, and refuse vehicle storage.
Other upgrades include a new gatehouse, a bin store, and clearly defined, safe pedestrian routes.
The depot also now features new electric vehicle (EV) charging points, with infrastructure in place to support further expansion as needed.
Councillor Susan Sybenga, deputy leader of South Tyneside Council and lead member for finance and resources, said: "We are delighted to see the completion of these essential works at our Middlefields Depot.
"By reorganising the site and introducing dedicated parking and better staff facilities, we have created a much-improved working environment for our frontline teams who deliver vital services every day.
"This investment has modernised the depot, improved the layout of the site and enhanced facilities for staff.
"It provides a more efficient and practical base for the teams and vehicles that support the delivery of key council services across the borough, including the provision of new vehicle charging facilities."
Read more
Plans for former North East dessert shop to turn into micro bar with live music
Five years on - £130m A19 Testo’s upgrade praised for easing congestion
Blue plaque unveiled for historic glassworks chimney saved from demolition
The project follows similar depot redevelopments completed by Howarth Litchfield at Morrison Busty in County Durham and Parsons Depot in Washington.
It was delivered in collaboration with contractor Halls and a team of consultants including Stantec (formerly Hydrock), DPP, Ecosurv, Apex and Colour.
The improved depot is expected to support South Tyneside Council’s frontline teams as they continue to deliver essential services across the borough.