Wates is targeting further growth across the North East region by opening a new premises in Durham.

The contractor has also appointed Steve Hesler as Project Manager, who will be based at the new Shannon House office at Belmont Business Park.

The new premises aims to maximise connectivity across the North East and ensure optimum delivery for construction projects within the region.

Overall, the office will see Wates bolster its foothold in the North East, building on its current project portfolio of developments including Teesside University's £22.3m National Horizons Centre and the creation of 49 sheltered housing bungalows on behalf of the St. Mary Magdalene and Holy Jesus Trust in Newcastle.


Paul Dodsworth, Business Unit Director, Wates Construction North East & Yorkshire, said: "Anticipation has been building as we have been looking forward to taking up residence of our new Durham office, and its opening marks a very significant moment for our business. Shannon House provides us with much more than new premises.

"It is an ideally located base from which we will uphold our established reputation as an efficient and expert contractor and a trusted partner to local suppliers and subcontractors across the region.

"I am very proud to welcome Steve to the business having worked with him in a previous life when he began his career as an apprentice joiner, and his knowledge and capabilities make him an excellent addition to complement our North East team.

"Steve's appointment is yet another important step in our growth across the region as we continue to build momentum, maximising new opportunities in the marketplace and doing so while boosting local employment."

Mr Hesler added: "I join Wates at an exciting time as the business looks to identify new opportunities to grow and diversify its project base in the North East.

"I feel very fortunate that my career has given me a wealth of knowledge about the regional industry, and I very much look forward to sharing this knowledge with the Wates team while also learning from the expertise of my new colleagues."

(LM)