Resurfacing work on St Cuthbert’s House car park means two days of disruption for motorists intending to drive to the charity’s and Diocesan head offices, and St Catherine’s nursing home.
Some preparatory work has already begun this week on the car park and an improved disabled access to the 391 West Road building, which is earmarked as a training and resource centre for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, St Hilda’s.
“The resurfacing is due to commence on Friday 11 April and be completed on Saturday 12 April. The car park will be unavailable on both these days and staff and visitors will need to make alternative parking or travel arrangements,” said St Cuthbert’s Care’s Director of Finance, Nic Gilbert, who is overseeing the project. “There will be no parking available on site as the driveway needs to be kept clear for the lorries delivering tarmac.”
Nic added that the resurfacing work is subject to the weather being suitable for tarmac laying and the job may have to change at short notice.
“I’ll advise you nearer the time if the forecast looks like the work won’t go ahead,” he said.
The work being undertaken will improve the car park by re-grading the tarmac to reduce the undulations so that the car park is more uniform. In addition, the bays will be re-marked to increase their size with some bays angled to make parking and exiting easier. A one-way system is also being introduced to facilitate accessing the angled bays.
The overflow car park at the rear of 391 West Road will become part of St Hilda’s dedicated resource and in future will no longer be available to St Cuthbert’s Care or Diocesan staff and visitors.