MGL Demolition Progresses Structural Demolition of Claude Gibb and Lipman Buildings in Newcastle City Centre

MGL Demolition are currently undertaking a technically challenging urban structural demolition of the Claude Gibb and Lipman Buildings in the centre of Newcastle on Northumbria University’s campus. Once complete, the demolition will leave space for Northumbria University’s future redevelopment plans.

The Claude Gibb building was built in the 1960’s to house up to 120 students across its 12-storey structure and has been deemed to have reached the end of its life. Meanwhile, the Lipman Building has been closed since suffering significant storm damage in 2024.

The works are located within a live, operational university environment at the University’s City Campus, right next to a busy A-road. This, in itself, presents a number of logistical considerations that the MGL Demolition team needs to take into account. Significant planning needs to be in place at all times to keep staff, students and the public safe while ensuring that surrounding buildings, footpaths and access routes remain open to minimise disruption.

The initial phase of the Lipman Building demolition involved erecting a fully encapsulated scaffold system. This structure covers the building facades overlooking pedestrian walkways and the surrounding road network, including roof edge protection, creating a sealed working environment. Due to its close proximity to city centre roads, the scaffolding is designed to contain dust and debris that would otherwise disrupt road traffic.

With asbestos removal and extensive soft strip works completed, MGL Demolition have started the high-reach structural demolition section of the works. To complete the high-rise demolition portion of the Claude Gibb building, the team faced technical challenges that required specialist plant, carefully designed working platforms, controlled demolition sequences, and constant monitoring to maintain building stability throughout the works.

The project will play an important role in the wider transformation of the university’s City Campus West, supporting its long-term vision to enhance research capability and deliver modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. MGL Demolition is proud to support this significant redevelopment project, applying its expertise in complex structural demolition to help create space for the next generation of educational facilities.