Member Article

Surgo Construction lands two new North East build wins

Building organisation Up North Group has appointed Newcastle’s Surgo Construction to undertake a refurbishment project on multi-million pound, mixed use development in Durham.

The project, based at 31-33 Church Street, will see a three-storey, 200-year-old property transform into luxury apartments and student accommodation/leisure and will be built out over two phases.

Phase one, valued at £1m, will incorporate the student accommodation and luxury apartments, lasting around 27 weeks. Surgo is currently in negotiation with Up North over the second phase.

The firm has also been appointed to the £1.39m refurbishment of Richmond House, an office block, which forms part of The Watermark development at Dunston.

Working on behalf of Wilson Bowden Developments, Surgo’s brief is to undertake a complete internal refurbishment including the installation of new services, ceilings and partitions.

Jeff Alexander, director, commented on the intricacies of the deal with Up North Group.

He explained: “Before our appointment, some controlled demolition was required following significant structural collapse at the rear of the buildings.

“Added to the fact that the buildings are Grade II listed, we will need to work closely with the conservation experts to ensure the restoration works are fully compliant.

“Additionally, because of the project’s proximity to other dwellings, it is essential that nearby property owners are kept regularly updated on our construction activities and feel reassured that the project is in safe hands.

“Finally, but by no means least, the buildings are located on a very tight, city centre site with the development entrance on a busy junction.

“The project is also adjacent to Durham University’s student union building, which overlooks the Kingsgate Bridge – used extensively by tourists crossing to Durham Cathedral as well as students travelling to and from university – so there will be a number of potential hazards to address throughout the construction programme.”