Family-run civil engineer BCE Northern, based in Low Fell near Gateshead, is delivering the second phase of the £6.2 million Hartlepool Town Centre Connectivity programme, adding to its order book. The phase covers roads, walkways and cycle routes around the town’s marina, headland and nearby Seaton Carew, a major civils package for a firm known for multi-million-pound schemes across the North of England.

BCE Northern was founded around 15 years ago by managing director Adrian Barton and reached £8 million in turnover in 2025, with turnover forecast to hit £12 million this year after a run of contract wins and framework agreements.

Its work spans specialist sub-contracting and, more recently, main contractor roles on high-profile civil engineering and construction projects across the North East from its Low Fell base.

Adrian Barton, managing director at BCE Northern, said: “This project will significantly improve connectivity for walkers and cyclists across Hartlepool.” Barton added: “This is a major project for us, but one that is testament to our success in delivering large multi-million-pound schemes across the North of England.”

Barton said: “The roads in and around the town centre are often very busy, which isn’t ideal for cyclists forced to share with motorists, while many of the walkways were also in need of resurfacing.”

The structural driver is the need to resurface worn walkways and improve busy town-centre roads, where cyclists currently have to share space with motorists. Hartlepool Borough Council is the client and is project managing the works.

Speaking about the firm’s growth, Barton said: “It’s an exciting time for the business but I want to stress, the growth which we’re experiencing currently really is down to the fantastic people within BCE and our trusted supply chain.”

For the sector, the work adds to the order book of a family-run North East civils contractor as it moves from £8 million to a forecast £12 million in annual turnover.

Source: bdaily.co.uk / insidermedia.com / externalworksindex.co.uk