Special Projects

STC – Beach Levelling  

In May 2023, BCE Northern successfully delivered the Beach Levelling and Coastal Protection contract for South Tyneside Council at South Shields. In April 2024 we were awarded the contract to deliver the project annually over the next three years. The works are completed every year to clear sand from pathways, re- align beach profiles and sand dunes and move the cleared sand around the site, before the bathing season to allow full public access. The site is a tourist destination, as well as being a coastal defence with a significant amount of amenity enhancement and public realm works including bespoke artwork.  

Newcastle International Airport Solar Farm – Vital Energi 

Newcastle International Airport has appointed the approved contractor, Vital Energi, to undertake Phase 1 of the solar farm development. Phase 1 of the development will provide 3MW of power and construction will begin on the site in Summer 2022. The scheme is anticipated to be in operation early next year. BCE Northern Ltd is proud to be working with VItal Energi as sub-contractor in the initial phase of production. Work includes bulk earthworks to formation of a new 1km access road, imported fill materials, section 278 junction construction, Kerbing and drainage, reinforced concrete slabs and foundations to new substation bases, directional drilling and ductwork’s to cabling infrastructure. 

St Marys Church, Whitley Bay – Landscape Works  

St Mary’s Church is located in a predominantly residential area of Monkseaton, Whitley Bay. The church building underwent some improvement and redevelopment works and the vision was to create a safe, attractive and welcoming external area to benefit the congregation and wider community.  

The church grounds had a garden, a grassed area and a small, consecrated area for the burial of ashes, however some areas needed urgent repair, replacement and landscaping.. 

Silksworth Pit Wheel Refurbishment & Relocation 

Sunderland City Council appointed BCE Northern Ltd to relocate a pit wheel originally located in Albany, to a new location in Silksworth.  

Work was completed on time and on budget and to the satisfaction of STC and residents who thought it was vitally important that the Silksworth community got back this piece of heritage. 

Harton Quay – Sedum Panel Replacement

In July 2018, BCE Northern was employed by South Tyneside Council to undertake works to replace the timber Sedum Panel wall at Harton Quays Park, South Shields. Harton Quays Park is an important part of the wider regeneration of South Tyneside. The aim was to reconnect South Shields to the River Tyne and form a key link between the town centre and the river.

Restoration of Horden Cemetery Memorial Clock Tower

We have recently completed the restoration of the beautiful memorial clock tower at Horden Cemetery to commemorate the Armistice Centenary in November 2018. The stone work has been repaired and repointed and the brass sword restored to it’s former glory just in time to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War. Check out the before and after photos!

South Shields Promenade

As the contracted organisation we work closely with the Local Authority on many schemes throughout the year and recently worked on the South Shields Promenade Connectivity Scheme. South Tyneside Council are currently regenerating the promenade in a number of phases and BCE Northern have been involved in the transformation projects since the first phase of regeneration (see Sea Change, South Shields in Special Projects).

Sea Change, South Shields

The objective of the project was to undertake the regeneration of one of England’s seaside resorts, investing in arts, public space, cultural assets and heritage projects. The regeneration work carried out at South Shields Sea Front was a tremendous £2million transformation jointly-funded with a £1million contribution from South Tyneside Council and matched by the Government’s Sea Change programme.

St Peter’s Church Enhancement Works – Sunderland City Council

In October 2014 BCE Northern Ltd were appointed Principal Contractor by Sunderland City Council to undertake the Enhancement Improvements to the historic site of St Peter’s Church. One of the UK’s first churches with Archaeological remains from the 7th Century, this was the monastery on whose land the Venerable Bede was born