A development that will provide a new headquarters for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is now under way following the appointment of Esh Construction as design and build contractor.

Dunedin House, situated in Clear Water Business Park on the Thornaby bank of the Tees, will undergo a major programme of remodelling and refurbishment to provide a new base for employees. 

The development will enable the council to consolidate 10 existing administration buildings that no longer provide efficient workspaces due to their age and condition, allowing better service delivery and financial efficiency. 

Esh Construction began work in July after undertaking a nine-month period of design, proposals and consultations in partnership with a local design team. It is expected to be complete in summer 2024.

Chris Hale, pre-construction director at Esh Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen as contractor to assist the council to consolidate its offices by creating a new headquarters and to help achieve their vision of providing inspiring and accessible workspace for their employees.

“As a local contractor, we are committed to supporting the communities surrounding our projects by procuring local. 

“Our emphasis was to maximise spend in Tees Valley when procuring the project team, as such, we selected local consultants Stokesley-based P&HS Architects and Stockton-based SINE Consulting. Throughout the project, we plan to re-invest £3m into Tees Valley.”

The council purchased Dunedin House in September 2021 as an alternative to building a new headquarters due to its size, location, condition and proposed sale price.

The project, which was procured through the NEPO framework, will involve demolition works and removal of partitions, along with construction of new partitions and glazed screens to provide a new layout. 

Substantial mechanical, electrical and plumbing works will be delivered by Middlesbrough-based Maval Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Co.

Esh Construction has also been named contractor for the bold and visionary Stockton Waterfront development in the heart of Stockton town centre, which is taking place on the opposite side of the River Tees.