Pilgrim’s Quarter

Project Overview 

MGL Demolition was instrumental in the redevelopment of Newcastle City Centre, undertaking enabling works for the Pilgrim’s Quarter redevelopment. The project involved the demolition and remediation of a 13,500m2 site, alongside soft strip and asbestos removal works.  

Dex Car Park, Commercial Union House and Bamburgh House were demolished as part of this project. Carliol House was partly demolished and its 3,150m2 Grade II-listed façade was retained. 

The structures ranged from seven to eleven storeys and differed in building type and age.  

Challenges 

A key challenge in the delivery of this project was the location. The site was enclosed on all four sides by main access roads for vehicles and public transport. Further to this, the Tyne and Wear metro vent shaft and tunnel were situated beneath the site. MGL prioritised coordination with local stakeholders, including councils, site contractors, and the public interface, in order to mitigate the issues surrounding site location.  

Due to nearby student accommodation, the demolition was conducted outside of exam season. Residents and businesses were informed of noise-control measures and work schedules in advance. 

Safety, Sustainability and Social Value  

This scheme prioritised safety, with over 100,000 operative hours undertaken with no major incidents. The client recognised this, and the site team received a Health and Safety award.  

Adopting a sustainable approach, >99% of demolition waste was diverted from landfills. All the demolition material from Commercial Union House was crushed on-site for reuse on pile mats later in MGL’s programme.  

The work generated over £8m in local spend, and 90% of the contract value was spent locally. Beyond the core services, donations to a local food bank and employee volunteering at a technical college ensured an even more significant impact.  

Summary 

Positive client feedback was received throughout, and the team worked closely with the project stakeholders to ensure client satisfaction. MGL Demolition has paved the way for Pilgrim’s Quarter, contributing to Newcastle’s economic growth and regeneration.  

This project won the Best Project of the Year at the World Demolition Awards 2024.  

Watch a full project overview of Pilgrim’s Quarter here.

Photo credit: D&Ri/KHL Group