Case Study – Byker Estate
Client: Your Homes Newcastle
Contractor: Straightline Construction
Scheme started: April 2010
Completion June: June 2011
Scheme value: £5 Million
Byker is situated in the east of Newcastle upon Tyne and is home to the world famous Byker wall development. In 1969
Ralph Erskine was appointed as project architect. The Byker estate was completed in 1983. It is now world famous for
its unique 1970’s architecture. Your Homes Newcastle is
responsible for managing and maintaining these
properties. The work involved full external refurbishment
of approximately 700 properties in the middle of the
Byker estate. Work also includes replacement porches
and conservatories and significant timber repairs.
The Byker area has a wide range and variety of
accommodation which is unique to Newcastle. Because
of this, English Heritage has awarded the Byker Estate
Grade II* listed status. The Byker estate consists of 1, 2, 3
and 4 bedroom houses, marionettes, flats and a small
number of bungalows. Most properties are constructed
from modular brick with timber cladding in different
colours. Other types of cladding have also been
used, including asbestos cement board, aluminium sheet and plastic cladding. The two types of roofing used are blue
metal sheeting and black concrete tile.
Straightline Construction was awarded this external refurbishment scheme in February 2010. The scheme is part of the
Government’s funded initiative to bring all of Newcastle’s 30,000 social housing stocks up to Decent Homes Standard by
2011. The main challenge was to carryout installation of new windows, doors and porches but work had to be carried
out under strict supervision to ensure all materials complied to the correct sizes and colour to meet the strict guidelines
set for these grade II* listed buildings.
Because of our experience undertaking similar schemes we
have been able to build on our previous success and manage
this type of scheme very effectively. This can be attributed to
both our detailed understanding of the constraints of working
on listed buildings along with the safe and efficient
management of work undertaken on modern styled
properties. Our high quality work is due not only to our
experience tradesmen but also the success of our Project
Management team who worked closed with Newcastle City
Council and English Heritage to ensure all safeguards and
standards were met.