News
Seafront ’ s new Vertical Pier taking shape
A stunning new pier which will dominate the skyline of a North-East seaside resort is starting to take shape . Finley Structures have completed the steel framework for the Vertical Pier , due to open later this year , as part of Redcar and Cleveland Council ’ s multi-million pound redevelopment programme . More than £ 290m is being spent in the Borough to regenerate the area , while an estimated £ 4.5 billion of private investment is expected to create around 14,000 new jobs and 600 new businesses . A total of £ 40m is being spent on Redcar seafront , including £ 30m on new sea defences and enhanced landscaping , and £ 8.3m on ‘ The Hub ’, a Creative Industries Centre on the site of the old Palace Theatre . The new Vertical Pier , costing £ 1.8m , will stand at an amazing 80ft high and will provide spectacular views
up and down the coast . Construction firm Willmott Dixon Group subcontracted the steel fabrication and installation work to Finley Structures , who have recently completed the job . Construction manager Andy Braid , pictured outside the vertical pier , said : “ It was a pleasure to work on an exciting project which will have such an obvious impact on Redcar seafront . “ It ’ s also further testament to our versatility and the diverse range of projects we ’ re capable of delivering to high standards . “ The artist ’ s drawings of the Vertical Pier look absolutely stunning and it promises to provide the focal point of what is a major regeneration programme in the town .” The seafront ’ s new beacon will provide Redcar with a new icon . The ground floor will be used primarily as café space with indoor and outdoor seating areas . This will also be used as an exhibition space as well as providing the location for public toilet facilities . A series of unique studios and workspaces that can be leased by the creative industries sector will be on the six levels above the ground floor . Each level of the Vertical Pier will be accessible by lift or stairs and open to the public free of charge . The building has been designed to create a dynamic experience on the journey to the top of the building , with views of local landmarks framed by the outer foils wrapped around the tower . At roof level , with its open air viewing platform , there will be a panoramic view across the dramatic seascape and surrounding landscape . The building will be open seven days a week between 9am and 10pm during peak season . There will be constantly changing exhibitions housed within the building . The project is part funded by the NE ERDF competitiveness programme 2007-13 .
Head adds ‘ Golden Bolt ’
A head teacher has added a specially-made Golden Bolt to his new £ 14.5m school which is in the making . George Harris says pupils at Dene Community School in Peterlee can ’ t wait for their new building to be opened in October 2012 . He added a Golden Bolt to part of the construction , which is being built by main contractors Carillion Building . “ We ’ re all very excited to see the new school beginning to take shape ,” said Mr Harris . “ There ’ s still a long way to go yet , but it ’ s getting there gradually and we ’ re delighted that the site hasn ’ t interfered with our learning flow whatsoever . “ The only snag is that our teachers have had to draw their blinds to keep their pupils concentrating because they can ’ t take their eyes off it !” Carillion are keen to involve the school in the construction as much as possible . A couple of months ago they arranged for pupils to visit Finley Structures in Newton Aycliffe , the steel firm tasked with fabricating and erecting the new structure .
Youngsters saw how raw steel will form the core of their new building ; they signed a steel plate with their initials , which was then incorporated into the construction . Carillion ’ s community liaison manager Jane Braybrook said : “ It ’ s important for the school and the pupils to have ownership of the new school so we ’ ve been working hard to involve them as much as we possibly can . “ We take the young people to see the steel being made and we ’ re also taking them to see the bricks
being produced , so they get a real insight into how it all comes together , so when it ’ s completed they ’ ll feel they ’ ve been involved in it every step of the way .” John Finley added : “ We ’ ve had youngsters from Dene School visit us and they hopefully learned a lot about how the raw steel comes to us , is fabricated and then erected . “ It ’ s always nice to involve the young people wherever we can and it ’ s rewarding to see them come in and learn about our operations . “ On this occasion , they took a great interest and asked lots of questions which is great to see !” Carillion plc is one of the UK ' s leading support services and construction companies . As well as the 213-tonne new-build at Dene School , they are also currently working on a 105-tonne newbuild at Hebburn School , a 50-tonne extension at Glendene School in Easington and a 213-tonne newbuild at SEN1 in Bedewell , Hebburn . Carillion are working on 22 schools in the North-East including six in Durham .
Finley Structures Ltd Quarterly Newsletter Issue 3 , Spring 2012