The Project
Carliol House is a landmark building in the heart of Newcastle city centre, forming part of the Pilgrims Quarter development. The project was commissioned as part of the government hub network for HM Revenue and Customs, providing office accommodation for approximately 9,000 staff. It is the largest development of its kind in the region.
A key planning requirement was to preserve the building’s original character. That meant retaining elements of the existing façade and, crucially, the iconic lead-lined dome structure. Wensley Roofing were appointed by main contractor Bowmer and Kirkland to carry out this specialist work.
Why This Project Was Far From Simple
Working in a busy city centre environment created significant logistical and technical challenges from day one.
All materials had to be lifted to roof level via a single site crane. Every delivery was carefully scheduled and coordinated through the Bowmer and Kirkland site team. A missed slot did not just mean a delay of a few hours. It meant waiting for the next available booking, with knock-on consequences for the entire programme.
The lead itself presented its own challenges. Working with lead rolls weighing up to 100kg required strict health and safety controls throughout.
Then there was the complexity of the dome structure itself. Sections of the original dome had to be carefully removed, cleaned, catalogued, and stored off-site. Each piece was then reinstated in the exact original order and position as part of the new structure. This was painstaking, methodical work. There was no margin for error.
How Wensley Roofing Delivered
Over a six-month programme, a dedicated team of approximately six Wensley Roofing operatives worked on the project. Consistency mattered here. Having the same experienced team on site throughout meant continuity, precision, and a shared understanding of the demands of the project.
Wensley Roofing supplied and installed all new lead lining to form the reconstructed dome, alongside associated joinery works. Careful coordination with Bowmer and Kirkland allowed materials and labour to be scheduled efficiently, despite the constraints of the city centre location.
The result speaks for itself. The finished dome now forms a key architectural feature of the Pilgrims Quarter development, preserving its historical character while fully supporting its modern use as a major government office hub.
Adam Rhodes, Contracts Manager at Wensley Roofing, summed it up well: “This was a highly complex and logistically challenging project, but the team delivered with real professionalism from start to finish. The attention to detail in reinstating the original dome elements was outstanding, and the quality of workmanship on the new leadwork speaks for itself. It is a project we are extremely proud to have been part of.”
Specialist Leadwork Is What Sets Wensley Apart
Projects like Carliol House do not happen by accident. They are won and delivered on the back of genuine expertise. Wensley Roofing has invested heavily in developing their leadwork capability over many years, and their team brings a level of skill and experience that few roofing contractors in the North East can match.
Their leadwork portfolio includes heritage and conservation projects at Durham and Newcastle Cathedrals. Carliol House adds another landmark to that list.
Part of Something Bigger
To find out more about Wensley Roofing and their full range of services, visit wensleyroofing.co.uk. You can also read more about who Wensley Roofing are and what they do in our earlier introduction to the business.
To learn more about Northern Bear and the wider group, visit our about page, read the latest news from across the Northern Bear family, or get in touch with the team today.
