North builders secure Yarm School contract

Oct 16 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

TWO North East contractors have been appointed to work on the latest phase of Yarm School’s £20m development.

Surgo Construction has secured a £1.6m contract to build a new kitchen and dining hall.

The Newcastle firm, which employs 150 workers, will also build a new classroom block for the mathematics department and enlarge the fitness suite and associated facilities, with the improvements due to be completed by Christmas.

Surgo site manager Mick Barclay said: “In completing this first stage of the project, we will be drawing upon our substantial experience on other multi million pound education sector developments which have helped shape our reputation for minimising disruption, particularly on live sites, whilst adopting a flexible and friendly approach to getting projects finished on time and to budget.

“This is certainly the case at Yarm, where we will also be concerned with preserving the surrounding architecture and nature of the historic site to ensure that the new build blends seamlessly with the original fabric of the school.”

Surgo recently completed work on the £8.5m redevelopment of the Whitley Bay Playhouse which re-opened last month.

Meanwhile, Gateshead-based civil engineering contractor VolkerStevin is undertaking work to upgrade existing flood defences and enable effective, sustainable drainage on the site in preparation for the construction of the school’s riverside development.

VolkerStevin’s site agent, said: “We are constructing additional storage for storm water as well as a new flood wall and an improved drainage system before landscaping the whole area.

“We are pleased to be working with Yarm School to help enable further phases of their ambitious redevelopment plans.”

VolkerStevin finished a project in the summer to build four tunnel sections for the new Tyne Tunnel project.

Its work at Yarm School will include a performing arts centre with a 750 seat auditorium, a 120 seat studio-theatre, a dance studio and a music performance suite.

Yarm School headmaster David Dunn said: “I am astonished at the rate of progress being made already, and I am confident that our stunning new facilities will be ready on time.

“I am delighted to have been able to appoint contractors from this area for this project and I hope it gives a timely boost to the regional economy.”