One-year anniversary marked on Newcastle rooftop
“It’s a proud moment for VolkerWessels UK,” said John Cox as he welcomed guests to celebrate the first anniversary of the VolkerWessels UK (VWUK) office in Gateshead.
Speaking to more than 80 regional guests and local supply chain partners gathered at Newcastle’s iconic Vermont Hotel, John, VWUK Board Director and Managing Director of VolkerStevin, reflected on VWUK’s long association with the North East through its delivery of some of the region’s best-known infrastructure – from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Gosforth Metro Depot to Sunderland’s new Keel Crossing.
“The region has always been close to our hearts,” he said. “We have team members who’ve been with us for more than 40 years and others who represent the next generation of families who’ve worked here before them. So, when the idea of reestablishing a permanent office in the North East was raised, it was an easy decision.”
John also highlighted VolkerStevin’s recent national recognition, having secured the inaugural Sir John Armitt Prize for the Southsea Coastal Scheme, delivered with Boskalis Westminster. Stretching from Old Portsmouth to Eastney, the project was praised for going far beyond flood protection – delivering environmental, social and heritage benefits and transforming the seafront into a ‘magnetic destination’.
Closer to home, the North East team has been appointed through NEPO to deliver the A167(M) Central Motorway East upgrade for Newcastle City Council – the first major works on this key route in over 20 years.
Following John’s remarks, the evening continued with short addresses from Jonathan Bailes, Cathy Massarella and Craig MacLennan – three key figures central to shaping the region’s infrastructure and transport investment over the coming decade.
Jonathan Bailes, Assistant Director Transport Programmes & Investment Planning at the North East Combined Authority (NECA), spoke about the region’s shared vision for a better-connected, sustainable and inclusive transport network. He emphasised that transport investment is central to the new mayoral combined authority’s long-term growth ambitions and Local Transport Plan, and that collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential in turning policy into delivery. His remarks reflected optimism about the opportunities for industry partners to help achieve those goals.
Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus, highlighted the organisation’s ongoing modernisation programme along with the transition to the new Metro fleet. She described this as an exciting period of transformation, with major renewal programmes ahead that will depend on partnership, innovation and shared expertise. Cathy also underlined Nexus’ commitment to working collaboratively with industry as it strives to deliver safe, sustainable and efficient transport for communities across Tyne and Wear.
Craig MacLennan, Senior Major Projects Manager at the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), then provided an overview of the region’s ambitious transport plan to 2030, outlining how major investments are set to unlock growth, enhance connectivity and strengthen local economies. He noted that a broad programme of highways, rail and public-realm projects is already approved, providing a steady pipeline of opportunities and a positive outlook for the North East’s construction and consultancy sectors.
Guests enjoyed a relaxed networking reception as the sun set over the Tyne, with views across the bridges that symbolise both the region’s proud industrial heritage and its forward-looking spirit.
The evening captured the strong sense of partnership, pride and purpose that defines VolkerWessels UK’s work in the North East – a celebration not only of a successful first year in Gateshead, but also of the many relationships and opportunities that continue to grow across the region.
