Work halted on new Sunderland council HQ at Vaux site - and this is what's happening with other projects

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published ‘site operating procedures’ for contractors and developers as the health crisis continues to unfold.

This included works operating under ‘social distancing’ guidelines to protect employees and minimise the spread of Covid-19.

The guidelines align with the latest advice from Public Health England and where possible, projects can continue on site.

This week, Sunderland City Council confirmed that works on the new City Hall on the former Vaux site have been put on hold.

Contractor Bowmer + Kirkland started work on the building last year which will house council staff and a range of public sector partners including Gentoo and the Department for Work and Pensions.

In a statement on its website, Bowmer + Kirkland outlined its coronavirus response across all UK projects – including actions to help keep contractors, clients, visitors and nearby residents safe.

All sites and potential closures are assessed on an individual basis in line with guidance from the Government, Public Health England and the CLC.

The statement goes on to say: “If we do not have the correct number and type of people on site to safely undertake works, then we will not do it.

“And even if there are sufficient numbers and types of people to undertake works safely, but this cannot be done in compliance with PHE guidance, then the works will not be done.”

The statement adds that when Bowmer + Kirkland sites do remain open, the contractor will liaise with sub-contractors and suppliers to “monitor the flow of labour and materials.”

If a case of Covid-19 is confirmed on any site, a full cleaning regime will take place leaving affected areas isolated for 72 hours followed by further cleaning and the safe removal of waste.

Sunderland City Council have confirmed works on the new city hall and Riverside Sunderland have been suspended until further notice.

Subject to social distancing guidance, works are expected to continue where possible on the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor, which is now in its third phase.

This includes works to create a new section of dual carriageway from Pallion, running underneath the Queen Alexandra Bridge, into Deptford and onto St Mary’s Boulevard.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Coun Graeme Miller, said: “In line with Government and public health advice, including guidance on safer working, the city council, businesses and residents across the city are practising social distancing.

“The safety and wellbeing of people is the absolute priority.”

Elsewhere in Sunderland, works have also been suspended at the private STACK leisure development in Seaburn – a shipping container village which will eventually comprise 51 containers with a mix of food traders and retail.

Neill Winch, CEO of The Danieli Group, who own STACK, said: “Following the latest Government advice and to ensure the health and safety of our people, we have taken the decision to suspend all construction work on the STACK Seaburn site.

“We do not feel that it is right to ask our suppliers and contractors to come to work when we know that social distancing is key to overcoming the current pandemic.

“We will review the situation in line with Government advice and will be ready to resume construction on site as and when it is safe to do so.”

He added: “Obviously we are hugely disappointed to have to delay the STACK Seaburn project, however we are well on track with the build and look forward to opening when restrictions are lifted and we are all able to go out socialising again.”

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