The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland

Since 2012 we have been working with The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland.

During this period, we have carried out various surveys in a number of retail units – with a large proportion being refurbishment surveys. These are designed to identify asbestos containing materials so that they can be removed in preparation of a unit being rebranded, upgraded or refurbished. This involves intrusive sampling methods including lifting floorboards, breaking into cavity walls, accessing ceiling voids, within boxing and behind signage. The projects we have completed require quick turnarounds from getting to site to completing the report.

In addition, we provided UKATA Certified Asbestos Awareness Training to employees of The Bridges, Shopping Centre. The ½ day training session covered a range of areas including: the nature and properties of asbestos and its effects on health; the types, uses and likely occurrences of asbestos in buildings; what to do if suspicious materials are found; and how to use appropriate workplace precautions.

Duncan Allen, Building & Services Director, Montagu-Evans, The Bridges Shopping Centre, said of our work: “I have used Franks Portlock for several years, during which time the company has been employed to undertake all asbestos surveys (both management and more recently refurbishment and demolition.) Part of their service also included an on-going asbestos advisory facility to the Bridges Shopping Centre.

“I have always found the management team and staff at Franks Portlock to be extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of their services and very responsive during times of urgent issues. The company’s approach to work undertaken on site has always been very professional, extremely resourceful, cost effective, totally reliable and quite innovative when tasked with difficult situations.

“I have used their facility for Asbestos Awareness Training for myself and a work colleague. I am pleased to advise that the trainer made the whole experience very informative and interesting.

“Based on the several years I have used the services of Franks Portlock, I would have no hesitation recommending the company to a business needing asbestos training or survey services.”

We are proud to be one of The Bridges Shopping Centre’s preferred asbestos consultants and look forward to working together on future projects.

Click here to find out more about the work we do with the retail sector.