As 2026 gets into full swing, Esh Construction is driving forward major projects that will shape communities and enhance local infrastructure.
From delivering the first homes at Seaham Garden Village to modernising education facilities at Greenfield Academy and advancing the redevelopment of Eston Precinct, these milestones signal a strong start to the year.
Show homes open as residents move in
Esh Construction has handed over the first homes at Seaham Garden Village marking a significant step forward in bringing affordable housing to the new garden village.
The first completions have paved the way for Karbon Homes to open the doors to the development’s new show homes, showcasing two three-bedroom house types to members of the public that are interested in making Seaham Garden Village their future home.
The homes are the first of 750 that Esh and Karbon are delivering on 78-hectare site through the next 10 years, with more than 200 now under construction across three phases. 60 more homes are due to complete over the next 12 months as part of Karbon’s first phase of development.
Phases two and three will see 84 and 57 homes built respectively, including both family homes and apartments.
The affordable homes will utilise one of the UK’s first large-scale mine water heat projects, an initiative led by Durham County Council and the Mining Remediation Authority and being delivered by Vital Energi.
Modernising facilities in Newton Aycliffe
In Newton Aycliffe, Esh has been appointed to deliver a £4 million refurbishment programme at Greenfield Academy, complementing the ongoing new build project already underway.
The refurbishment works form part of a phased approach to modernising the school estate and will run alongside the construction of the new £14 million three-storey education hub, which Esh began in June 2025.
Working in partnership with Durham County Council and the Advance Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust, the combined projects will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students and staff, supporting the school’s ambition to create an inspiring learning environment for future generations.
The refurbishment contract will run in several phases to minimise disruption to school operations, with the initial phase focusing on the music and drama classrooms, followed by works to the main hall, reception, dining and kitchen areas in later phases. Work will include full roof replacement with new insulation and weatherproof membranes, upgraded ceilings and floor finishes, full decoration and the installation of new partitions to create additional teaching spaces.
Vibrant future for Eston Precinct
The major redevelopment of Eston Precinct has taken a step forward with the next phase of work commencing.
Esh is working in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council to transform the retail facility and enhance the overall appearance of Eston as a vibrant and welcoming destination.
Demolition of the existing precinct is complete, paving the way for seven new retail units and an outdoor leisure space. The new precinct will provide 14,600 square feet of high-quality retail space for residents and visitors.
The initial phase of the project saw 18 retail units and six flats located above the units safely brought down, harnessing remote demolition technology. Asbestos was also removed – including notifiable materials – to ensure the safety of the site. The foundations are scheduled for removal as the new construction phase advances. In total, the demolition phase processed 4,454 tonnes of type 1 and 230 tonnes of recycled 6F2 materials into a recycled product.
To find out more about Esh Construction, visit www.eshgroup.co.uk