CONSTRUCTION
Looking back – steel boss Gary Finley has fond memories of working on Newcastle Arena back in 1994.
We’ ve traded the Wild West days of cigarette smoke and questionable safety standards for a business built on accountability, sophisticated technology and world-class safety protocols.” to become the heart of Newcastle’ s entertainment district, hosting everyone from major international acts to family shows like the Strictly tour that would bring him back three decades later.
By the time the final bolts were torqued and the frame was handed over, the young lad was back at his school desk. But the seeds of his future empire had been firmly planted in that dusty construction site.
Today, that teenager from the back of the cigarette‐filled van owns and manages SCH Site Services, a Newton Aycliffe – based company that has become synonymous with precision steel frame fabrication and installation across the UK.
The transformation has been remarkable. SCH now delivers major projects for the nation’ s leading contractors, including Sir Robert McAlpine, Willmott Dixon and Robertson Construction.
Their fingerprints can be found across Newcastle’ s modern skyline – from the vital infrastructure of the Royal Victoria Infirmary to landmark developments including the Helix energy building and its neighbours Science Central, The Spark and The Lumen.
“ We’ ve traded the Wild West days of cigarette smoke and questionable safety standards for a business built on accountability, sophisticated technology and world-class safety protocols,” Gary explains.
“ But the fundamental principle remains the same – modern fabrication and installation that defines modern cityscapes.”
The contrast between past and present became crystal clear during that December evening at the arena.
While sequinned dancers performed under spotlights, the real foundation of the show remained hidden in the steel framework above – work completed by a school teenager who would grow up to thrive in the industry.
“ My wife noticed me looking up at the ceiling and smiled,” he recalls.
“ She knows that while the names on the door have changed over the last 30 years, the work we did in the heat of’ 94 is still what’ s holding the whole show up.”
The arena has hosted millions of visitors over three decades – from major concerts to sporting events, from family entertainment to corporate gatherings. Each event has been underpinned by the precision and dedication of that sweltering summer build.
SCH Site Services represents more than just business success; it’ s proof that British craftsmanship and ambition continue to shape our urban landscapes.
From that teenage summer job has grown a company responsible for some of the North-East’ s most significant developments.
Newcastle Arena remains a testament to what’ s possible when vision meets precision engineering.
For most visitors, it’ s a place of entertainment and memories. For SCH’ s managing director, it’ s a reminder that the strongest foundations are often built during the hottest summers.
As the Strictly dancers took their final bow that January evening, one truth remained constant; the glitter on stage might be spectacular, but it’ s the strength of the steel underneath that makes it all possible.
The arena continues to host world‐class entertainment, standing as a monument to the craftsmanship and vision that brought it to life in 1994.
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