Architect backs £5 million council depot upgrade

An architectural practice has strengthened its portfolio with a local authority project. 

Howarth Litchfield supported the redevelopment of South Tyneside Council’s Middlefields Depot.

Bosses say the £5 million scheme has transformed the 60,000sq metre South Shields site into a “more efficient, modern, and safer working environment”.

They add the work has shifted Highways Department operations to another site, creating space for refuse vehicle storage, fleet and staff parking and a vehicle MOT area.

The project has also added a new gatehouse, bin store and electric vehicle charging points.

Howarth Litchfield – based on the outskirts of Durham City – was appointed lead consultant through the North East Procurement Portal framework to support the scheme, which follows similar yard redevelopments at Morrison Busty, in County Durham, and Washington’s Parsons Depot.

Dave Pickersgill, technical director at the business – which is also supporting a Cumbrian education project – 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.”

Councillor Susan Sybenga, South Tyneside Council deputy leader and lead member for finance and resources, added: “This investment has modernised the depot, improved the layout and enhanced facilities for staff.

“It provides a more efficient and practical base for teams and vehicles that support the delivery of key council services across the borough.”

The project was delivered alongside main contractor Hall Construction and a consultancy team including Stantec, DPP, Ecosurv, Apex and Colour.

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