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Firm prepares way for ‘Rocket’ demolition
WORKERS from South Tyneside with a head for heights have paved the way to change the face of Tyneside.
Demolition of the iconic landmark, the Dunston ‘Rocket’ in Gateshead, is about to start – but only after Jarrow-based firm Marine Scaffolding prepared the building for its demise.
Workers from the firm, which operates from its base in Riley Street, Jarrow, have swathed the building in scaffolding and sheeting in preparation for the 18-month project.
The contract has been a major boost to the 23-year-old company.
Bosses Gary Linsley and brothers Anthony and Peter Mullen hired 12 extra staff to cope with the workload.
Nicknamed because of its rocket-like shape and dominance of the skyline, the 280ft-high complex, officially called Derwent Tower when it was built in 1973, will soon disappear forever.
The firm’s office manager, Joanne Atkinson, said: “The lads successfully erected the scaffolding on the legendary Dunston ‘Rocket’, which proves that their experience and knowledge is second to none due to the extremely high risks and technicalities involved in this project. The tower is nearly 300ft-high, so it’s a good thing all the lads have a head for heights.”
She added: “At the original pre-start meeting, it was agreed that any extra labour required by Marine would come from the local area and, as a result of this job, a further 12 more men were employed because of the scale of this contract.
“At present, Marine is employing a local-based workforce of about 50, and this is rapidly rising.
“This includes an apprentice scheme of six younger members, who are all employed throughout their full training and kept on once it has been completed.
“Because of our reputation of looking after our apprentices and how well they turn out, there is quite a waiting list of new applicants.”
The ‘Rocket’ is a 29-storey former residential building.
It was designed by Owen Luder Partnership and is often compared to Gateshead’s ‘Get Carter’ car park, also a product of the partnership.
Flooding and problems with the lifts led to the last tenants in flats moving out in 2010.
Since then, the building has stood empty.
The famous landmark is to be replaced by new homes and shops.
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Weather for Jarrow
Tuesday 22 May 2012
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Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
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HebburnHero
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at 04:02 PMDecent enough story but yet more lazy reportingphotography, why bother with a picture of the workforce if it's unreadable, the least any decent reportereditor could do is make sure the size fits and people can view it, rather than a pixeled mess!!
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