A snapshot of 2024 at STP Construction
As we prepare for the opportunities and challenges that 2025 will bring, we want to take a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of 2024.
Over the past 12 months, we have achieved significant growth, enhanced our capabilities, and strengthened our commitment to sustainability.
Our continuous efforts to innovate and improve have enabled us to operate with greater efficiency, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our clients.
As we look back on a year defined by progress and success, we are pleased to share some of the key highlights from 2024.
Warehousing and office space
Marrtree Business Park
We are responsible for the ongoing works on Marrtree Business Park, a £3.5 million development located at Calder Park near Wakefield. This project involves constructing nine high-specification warehouse, industrial, and trade counter units, ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 square feet, totalling approximately 40,000 square feet of space.
The units were designed with environmental considerations, with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the roofs to capture renewable energy. Additionally, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are included to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. The site’s proximity to a 100-acre nature reserve emphasises the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
In June 2025, this new development is expected to generate approximately 100 jobs, contributing significantly to the local economy.
UK Land Estates
We have partnered with UK Land Estates to deliver a project at the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, strategically located near the A19. The development, known as L7, included the construction of a 73,000 sq ft high-specification industrial and distribution unit which included 5,955 sq ft of office space.
The unit will feature a rooftop photovoltaic array to harness solar energy, as well as provisions for multiple electric vehicle charging stations that comply with modern environmental standards.
The L7 unit, which is scheduled to be completed in February 2025, will provide flexible space that meets the regional demand for high-quality industrial warehouses.
Heritage projects
Earl Grey House
Continuing our relationship with Earl Grey House, our team has been diligently working on the Grade II listed building with focus on critical repairs to the external facade last year.
Over the last six years, we have played an important role in improving and maintaining this iconic structure. In 2018, we transformed the reception area and modernised the office spaces on all levels of the building, while also dealing with the unique challenges of the basement renovation, which now houses the Everyman Cinema. Our work on this project garnered significant recognition. Newcastle Council’s planning and conservation officers commended both the design and our execution for their exceptional quality. The project subsequently achieved second place in the Regional RIC Awards.
Our contributions in 2024 included significant improvements to the street frontage, ensuring that the building’s exterior complements the architectural elegance of Newcastle’s Grey Street.
Working on a historically significant building is never easy. Heritage preservation is still a top priority at all stages of planning and execution, necessitating meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of conservation practices.
Education Sector
Gateshead College
Our team made vital upgrades for Gateshead College, supporting their sustainability mission for a greener future with Green Gateshead. As part of this transformative project, we built a strong steel frame structure to support 233 photovoltaic (PV) panels in the multi-storey car park.
These panels now use solar power to provide clean, renewable energy to the campus, representing a significant step towards reducing the college’s reliance on non-renewable energy source.
We worked with Wise Academies to deliver a new development at Adderlane Academy in Prudhoe to improve the school’s facilities and create a positive learning environment for students.
The project included the construction of modern classrooms, a welcoming reception area, a versatile shared space, and fully furnished bathrooms. A corridor was also built to link the new building with the existing school, providing easy access and connectivity throughout the campus.
The new car park was designed with sustainability in mind, specifically to accommodate electric vehicles, which aligns with Wise Academies’ commitment to eco-friendly practices.
St. Cuthbert’s Catholic High School
Our Small Works Department completed a successful project involving the refurbishment of several classrooms and toilet facilities at the prominent Catholic boy’s school based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. The project aimed to enhance the learning environment for students by creating modern, functional, and comfortable spaces. We worked closely with the school’s management team to ensure minimal disruption to the academic schedule while delivering high-quality workmanship and adhering to strict safety and budget constraints.
Retail & leisure sector
XSite Indoor Ski Slope
After being contracted by Pradera Lateral to decommission the former indoor ski slope in Xsite, Braehead, the STP team worked tirelessly over a 26-week programme to safely remove and melt 10,500m3 of ice from the amusement centre.
Devising and implementing an innovative and sustainable excavation method, the STP team melted the snow using vegetable bio-oil to reduce the costs and environmental impact of the project.
We worked closely with Arup and Workman LLP who provided vital Project Management and Structural/MEP services to ensure a streamlined process from start to finish.
Aldi
STP Construction has a strong track record of successful collaborations with ALDI, contributing to their recent expansion and store improvement initiatives. In the past year, we have delivered four new store builds across the UK, demonstrating our expertise in delivering high-quality, efficient construction projects within the retail sector.
Furthermore, we are actively involved in ALDI’s Refresh framework, overseeing upgrades to existing stores across Scotland and the North of England in the summer of 2024. The Refresh program focuses on enhancing customer experience, improving energy efficiency, and minimising environmental impact.
The upgrades included implementing refreshed store layouts, improved signage, and enhanced customer flow for a more enjoyable shopping experience. Energy-efficient technologies such as advanced refrigeration systems with reduced energy consumption were integrated to reduce environmental impact.
Eldon Square
We are proud to be part of the multimillion-pound project working alongside Pradera Lateral, Ryder, Arup and Workman LLP to transform the former Debenhams store in Eldon Square shopping centre into a vibrant new food, leisure and entertainment space.
In 2024, we completed a full strip out of the building and began Phase 1B of the project which included shellworks. As part of this, we installed health and safety systems, completed mechanical and electrical works, structural steelwork, blockwork and piling along with adding new sprinkler systems and HV supplies.
We are excited to continue our involvement this extensive new development in the heart of Newcastle in 2025.
Banking sector
Newcastle Building Society
We were delighted to work on another important high street scheme for our valued client, Newcastle Building Society.
We supported the region’s largest building society in relocating to a more prominent site in Middlesbrough town centre, which is part of a wider plan to open more community branches across the North East.
The new branch in Middlesbrough provides an updated look and feel which gives customers a modern, user-friendly environment and better access to services, information and advice.
Digital makeover
Move to SharePoint
To improve our workflow and streamline internal processes, we went through a significant behind-the-scenes transformation by transitioning to SharePoint. This move represents a significant upgrade to our CMS system, allowing us to take advantage of several advanced features and capabilities that have transformed the way we manage projects.
By leveraging SharePoint’s tools, we have enhanced the efficiency of our project management systems, allowing for better collaboration, real-time data sharing, and more robust document management. This upgrade not only improves day-to-day operations, but it also enables us to provide even more value and responsiveness to our clients and partners.
Going paperless
On-site, we have taken a significant step towards sustainability by going paperless. This year, we implemented QR codes to streamline and improve our health and safety procedures, significantly lowering our environmental impact while remaining organised.
By simply scanning the QR codes, our team can quickly access essential documents, safety checklists, and procedures in real time, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.
We’ve also integrated a user-friendly app that has transformed our on-site operations. This digital app ensures vital information about each project is always accessible to our team.
Accreditations
Alcumus Safe Contractor accredited
Alongside our CHAS Elite, Constructionline Gold and SSIP accreditations, we are proud to add yet another achievement to our growing list: the Alcumus SafeContractor accreditation. This certification demonstrates our commitment to upholding the highest levels of quality and safety in our construction projects.
Earning the SafeContractor accreditation validates our health and safety processes and demonstrates compliance with industry best practices. It emphasises our proactive approach to creating a safe and efficient workplace and reflects our core values of excellence and responsibility in all projects we undertake.
ISO and Achilles accreditations
In November 2024, our organisation was recertified in ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to excellence. ISO 9001 ensures we consistently meet customer needs and improve processes. ISO 14001 focuses on environmental sustainability, reducing waste, and minimising our environmental impact. ISO 45001 prioritises employee safety by creating a safer working environment and adhering to strict health and safety standards.
Demonstrating our commitment to a higher standard of safety and risk management, we are proud to have also achieved Achilles BuildingConfidence accreditation. This allows us to prequalify for some of the UK’s most significant construction projects, providing us with access to a wider range of opportunities and solidifying our position as a responsible and reliable partner in the industry.
Community initiatives
Shildon AFC Sponsorship
We are proud to be a sponsor of Shildon AFC. Through this sponsorship, we can contribute to the club’s various charitable efforts, as well as participate in the initiatives of young players who are passionate about making a difference.
One of the initiatives we are particularly pleased to support is the annual event providing free Christmas lunches with Santa for local children. Being part of these community initiatives allows us to strengthen our ties with the area and support those who need it most.
Looking to 2025
We are extremely proud of our team for their exceptional hard work and dedication throughout this year. We’re delighted to have had the privilege of working on a diverse range of projects across the country.
From restoring and preserving protected heritage sites to building for the future with state-of-the-art warehousing developments, we have certainly kept busy with projects that make a real impact.
As we look ahead, we can’t wait to continue contributing to these ongoing projects into 2025, with a sense of excitement about the new opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
We are eager to see what the future holds and look forward to building even more success in the coming year.
