In this first update from guest author PBS Construction they explain what works are expected to take place in phase 1 of the restoration.
Overview of the Works
The aim of this scheme is to rejuvenate the existing South Cliff Gardens and restore them to their former glory. The scheme has received substantial funds from the National Lottery Community and Heritage Funds with money also being raised by local community groups.
The full project comprises of the construction of a new maintenance and community hub, along with general refurbishment and landscaping upgrades to the existing South Cliff Park. The project also includes refurbishment work to the existing tunnel, currently closed off to the public under the funicular railway. The works will be split into 4 Phases.
Phase 1 of the Works – April 2021
Phase 1 of the major capital works starting this month will include the construction of the new community hub which local people have affectionately named ‘Beeforth’s Hive’ after George Lord Beeforth who was instrumental in shaping the gardens. Works on the building will start in April and be completed in November this year. The restoration of the recently listed and historically significant Tugwell shelter and Octagonal shelter below the putting green have also been included and prioritised in the first phase of works. Phase two works are due to start in June.
Phase 1 of the works include the following:
- The demolition and removal off site of the existing depot and maintenance building and replaced with a new Operations/Community building which will commence in May. The new building will be constructed as a steel frame structure with brick and block walling most of which will be clad using Natural Finnish timber cladding. The roof will be steel ‘Topdek’ roofing panels which will also incorporate photo voltaic panels (solar panels). Fencing and paving to a new external compound/parking area. This work will be complete in winter 2021
- Refurbishment of Shelter Numbers 1, 2, 8, 12 and 13 consisting of masonry and render repairs, repairs to roofs to make shelters watertight. Replacement of rafters, decorative timber details, ship lath boarding and repairs to timber bench seating. Repairs to quarry tile flooring.
- Improvements to surface water drainage including the cast iron rainwater systems. The completed works will be painted to match the original scheme.
- Area A22, refurbishment of steps adjacent to the opening of the tunnel complete with new handrails.
- Area A19, replace damaged steps and lay new stone paving.
- Area A18 East and West, re-bed existing sand stone boulders, install new steps, hand railing and tactile paving.
- Area 16 North and South, replace steps with new natural and reclaimed stone materials. Install new sandstone boulders.
- Works to upgrade the main footpath from Cliff Bridge with new coloured tarmacadam paving. Sections of paths surfaced with ‘Butterscotch’ coloured resin bound aggregate paving. Installation of natural stone setts as footpath edgings and other natural stone features.
- The above works will involve the temporary closures of sections of footpath which will be clearly sign posted along with the appropriate diversions around the works with the site works fenced off with temporary barriers. Access will be maintained along Foreshore Road to the Spa building at all times. Please see attached phasing plan showing the proposed closures of the footpaths.
For further information please contact:
Brendon Smurthwaite
Community Liaison Manager
PBS Construction (North East) Ltd
Office: 01482 211132
Email: brendon.smurthwaite@pbsconstruction.co.uk
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