Leading energy and regeneration specialist ENGIE has welcomed the next generation of construction workers to its ongoing development on Wharrier Street in Walker.

The firm hosted eight Year Five pupils from Central Walker CofE Primary School, offering lessons on how build birdboxes and become master bricklayers. The students were also on hand to quiz members of the ENGIE site team about the development and learn new skills under the watchful eyes of site managers Paul Williams and John Beck and their colleagues.

The Wharrier Street development, which is being built on behalf of Places for People, will see 36 two, three and four-bedroom homes constructed on land formerly home to Wharrier Street Primary School and is expected to complete in October 2020.

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In addition to giving future builders a taste of construction, the project is providing a wider economic benefit to the area, with two new jobs set to be created as well as a number of work experience opportunities for local people in conjunction with Newcastle Futures/Generation NE.

Lee Francis, Area Director at ENGIE, said: "We are delighted to be working with Places for People on this project, continuing a relationship that encompasses a number of housing developments in the North East including Chalfont Road, which neighbours the Wharrier Street site.

"These modern properties will be a fantastic addition to Walker, located close a number of local amenities and primary schools as well as being within ideal commuting distance of Newcastle City Centre."

Nilam Buchanan, Head of Development (North East, Yorkshire and Humberside) at Places for People added: "We are really excited that work is now underway at Wharrier Street. The project is the latest phase in a number of developments being delivered in partnership with Newcastle City Council, Homes England and ENGIE which will bring much needed affordable housing to Walker."

(CM/MH)