One of the UK’s leading specialists in stonemasonry and architectural precast concrete, Classic Masonry has completed phase one of a £900,000 contract at Pilgrim Place, Newcastle.
Located in the heart of Newcastle city centre, the development comprises two buildings, 1 and 2 Pilgrim Place, set around a public square.
DWP Service and Support Centre, will occupy 1 Pilgrim Place, with 2 Pilgrim Place under construction and will provide occupiers with Grade A office accommodation.
Classic Masonry was appointed by main contractor, Bowmer+Kirkland. Phase 1 of Classic Masonry’s contract involved the supply and installation of the plinth course around the building perimeter of 1 Pilgrim Place. This forms part of the main structure, with the curtain walling fixing directly to the precast units. Located at the base of the building, they were required to be installed first.
Phase 2 of the work is scheduled to commence in the summer and will see the more distinctive element of the scheme. Precast concrete units, which form an external rainscreen system, will be fixed to the main structure externally, allowing internal fit-out works to progress concurrently with the installation.
Due to the scale of the units (circa 8m in length) and the requirement to install them within 100mm of the main structure, a counterbalance lifting method is used. In simple terms, this involves offsetting the lifting point away from the building, similar to lifting a seesaw from its central pivot rather than directly from one end.
Established 35 years ago, Classic Masonry, offers a comprehensive range of services, including design development, stone sourcing and selection, cutting, profiling, carving and fabrication. It undertakes both new build masonry construction and restoration and conservation projects, which include cleaning, decontamination and facade consolidation. Its expertise spans both modern and historic environments.
Mike Moody, managing director at Classic Masonry, said: “Our thanks to Bowmer+Kirkland for appointing us to another major regeneration project within the heart of Newcastle city centre. Having worked with the company on the Grade II listed Carliol House, we were delighted to continue our working relationship on this project.
“We are also working alongside numerous outstanding teams, including Ryder Architecture who designed the overall scheme and it is an honour to play a role in the regeneration of the city centre economy.”
Bowmer + Kirkland project director, Paul Anderson, said: “By employing Classic Masonry, we were able to bring to the project unrivalled experience, technical knowledge and trusted relationships with the local conservation officers which was critical to the success of the scheme. The old façade has been brought back to life and now merges seamlessly with the new building.”