The demolition works to Wansbeck Square started in October and are progressing well as part of the Ashington Regeneration Programme.
Funded by UK Government, the North East Combined Authority and Northumberland County Council, the works are the first stage in the redevelopment of Wansbeck Square.
Demolition Works Update
Appointed contractor MGL Demolition Ltd have safely completed asbestos removal and soft strip works in line with the Health and Safety Executive requirements (HSE) and MGL’s safe operating procedures. All works were carried out and completed with air clearance certificates.
This month, MGL are looking to start to install scaffolding to the east (railway line side) and west (Kenilworth Road side) of the building to allow for the safe demolition of the buildings given its proximity to neighbouring shops and the railway line. All demolition work will be undertaken using techniques approved by both the National Federation of Demolition Contractors and the HSE.
MGL have undertaken extensive reviews with Network Rail, design engineers, Northern Powergrid and Party Wall Surveyors to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum with all the demolition techniques having a minimal impact on the surrounding areas.
The scaffolding arrangements are as follows:
The scaffolding works to the east elevation (railway line side) will be carried out between the hours of 23.00 hrs. and 05.00 hrs. when trains are not running.
• The scaffold erection is planned to commence from 13th January 2025 and will be ongoing for a number of weeks.
• The scaffold will be dismantled floor by floor as the building is demolished – this dismantling also needs to be carried out between 23.00 hrs. and 05.00 hrs.
• The demolition of the buildings will be carried out during normal working hours typically Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 17.00 and these works are expected to be completed in April 2025.
• All dates are subject to Network Rail approvals.
Will the work be disruptive?
All works will be undertaken with due care and control to ensure the safety of the site personnel, the public and local traders and to minimise disruption. The boundary of the work site will be secured, and mitigation will be in place to reduce dust, noise and vibration to a minimum. There will be lights on for safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. The contractor is experienced with addressing any pest control issues on site quickly and this is being monitored with no issues to date.
Site working hours will typically be Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 17.00. The scaffold erection and dismantling will be done Monday to Sunday between 23.00 and 05.00.
The demolition contractor, Advance Northumberland and NCC will keep local businesses informed during the works.
Access between the railway station and the town centre
Access to the town centre, railway station including car park and local businesses/residences continue to be maintained at all times during these works.
The new Northumberland Line has recently opened successfully and prior to this we completed improvements to the diversionary pedestrian route up Kenilworth Road to the Station Road. Access to the car park for Ashington Station is unaffected by the works.
The improvements make it more accessible for pedestrians whilst maintaining access for vehicles. A temporary footpath closure on Station Road to the front of Wansbeck Square will be required in early 2025 to allow the demolition works adjacent to that area.
Project enquiries: For all enquiries in relation to the Redevelopment of Wansbeck Square please contact: projects@advancenorthumberland.co.uk Go to nland.uk/wansbecksquare for further information.
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