Mansell Continues Work on Grade II Listed Byker Wall

Mansell has re-commenced work on the Byker Wall Estate in the first scheme since the Erskine designed estate received Grade II* listing. The Byker Wall is one of Newcastle upon Tyne’s most iconic landmarks and it is being refurbished for Your Homes Newcastle as part of a comprehensive improvement programme across the city.

This latest project will be the fifth undertaken by Mansell in Byker and the works include replacement of windows and doors on 139 properties within the wall, as well as minor structural repairs and external decoration. Works on this phase of the estate are due to be completed by June 2008.  

All works are being carried out in accordance with the conservation plan for Byker, which has been prepared by the City Council and English Heritage, to replicate the original colours and features of the estate. The plan ensures that everything is put back as near as possible to the original design, including the style of windows and doors.  

“We are working closely with Mansell to improve the Byker Wall estate, while also conserving the features that have made it famous,” says John Lee, Chief Executive of Your Homes Newcastle. “Materials and technology have moved on a great deal since the 1970s, so we need to find modern solutions that will not look out of place in the wider context of the area.”  

Juliette Carruthers is Resident Liaison Officer for Mansell on site and says: “The residents are very pleased that the work is being carried out, and it looks great where the scaffolding is starting to come down. My job is to keep the residents informed throughout the entire process and as I am based on site, they can pop in to see me anytime.  I’ve been impressed by the community spirit on the estate, and the excellent co-operation that we have had with the improvements. People have been very accommodating and are looking forward to the new look Byker Wall.” 

 In addition to the Byker Wall, Mansell is also carrying out external refurbishment on 2 multi-storey blocks of flats in High Heaton.  Molineux Court and Grafton House are the 6th and 7th tower blocks that Mansell have refurbished as part of the Your Homes Newcastle Modern Homes Programme.  

Your Homes Newcastle is the arms length management organisation responsible for the management of Newcastle upon Tyne’s 31,000 council homes. Its Modern Homes programme will see over £600m spent on improvements to council homes across the city by 2011.