GVR Geo’s Role in the Neon Social Club Redevelopment
GVR Geo was entrusted by Beckwith & Hanlon Consulting Engineers to provide comprehensive geoenvironmental consultancy support for Tandem Construction and Places for People. Our expertise played a pivotal role in transforming the former Neon Social Club site in Jarrow, South Tyneside, from an abandoned and hazardous eyesore into a stunning, high-quality social housing development, reinvigorating the heart of the community.
A Vision for Change
Tandem Construction spearheaded the redevelopment by securing planning consent and conducting rigorous legal and technical due diligence. The project involved creating 14 much-needed social housing units for Places for People, a leading national provider of high-quality affordable and rental homes. Positioned amid an existing housing estate, a local pub, estate roads, and a children’s play park, the successful remediation of this site was essential for community safety and integration.
Overcoming Significant Challenges
GVR Geo was engaged to conduct detailed ground investigation, remediation planning, supervision, and final verification. During our investigations, we uncovered several key challenges that required mitigation before construction could proceed:
- Asbestos contamination in crushed demolition material left behind from prior site clearance.
- Fly-tipped asbestos-waste.
- Undocumented substructures including a hidden semi-basement area found during clearance.
- Multiple underground obstructions, including remnants of past foundations and utility services.
A Strategic Approach to Remediation
GVR Geo developed a Remediation Specification, which received approval from South Tyneside Council, the Local Planning Authority (LPA), before work commenced. The remediation approach included:
- Safe removal of asbestos by certified specialists.
- Approval of cover soils prior to import to create a physical barrier to made ground materials containing elevated levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).
- Verification of the installation of a 600mm clean cover soil layer to create safe and sustainable garden spaces for future residents.
Collaboration was key throughout the project, with GVR Geo working closely alongside the consulting engineer, the LPA, the developer, and their subcontractors. Our independent Verification Report provided the critical assurance needed to discharge the planning conditions, facilitating a smooth transition of the site from the developer to the end user.
A Community Transformed
The successful remediation of the Neon Social Club site has turned a long-neglected and potentially hazardous area into a thriving residential community. This project underscores the importance of expert environmental consultancy, proactive problem-solving, and strong stakeholder partnerships in delivering sustainable urban regeneration.
Grant Richardson, Director, GVR Geo: “This challenging project highlights the power of geoenvironmental expertise in revitalising challenging sites and transforming them into thriving communities. We’re proud to have played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for a safe and sustainable future.”
Tandem Construction: “Grant and the GVR Geo team’s expertise was instrumental in navigating the site’s complex ground conditions, enabling us to deliver high-quality, affordable homes efficiently and effectively. Their meticulous approach helped to ensure the project’s success.”
Learn More
For further details on our partners and this transformative project, visit:
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If you’re planning a redevelopment project and need expert geoenvironmental consultancy, contact GVR Geo today. Let’s work together to transform challenges into opportunities.