Wensley Roofing

CASE STUDY:

Grand Cinema, Sunderland

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Slating Project

Main Contractor: Brims Construction

Client: The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Reece Foundation & Friends of Beamish.

It is the new build 1950’s cinema at Beamish Museum and is the biggest capital investment in County Durham’s museum history.

The Beamish project is supported by The National lottery heritage fund, Reece foundation and Friends of Beamish.

The project overall has involved over 44,000 community members and school children, more than 22,000 people living with dementia and over 35,000 hours have been contributed by volunteers, carers and their families.

The museum which welcomed over 800,000 visitors last year, is committed to building on this work as an anchor cultural institution in the region, working with partners to help highlight the North East as a magnificent region to visit, live and work in.

Our work involved installing new reclaimed welsh slates to the main cinema roof.

Full warm roof covering consisting of Alwitra single-ply membrane to the large flat roof above the shops and an Iko hot melt system to the rear viewing balcony which was covered with a ballast and chequered paving slab system to allow access to the general public.

Working with Brims construction, the project was delivered as per the programme just in time for the official opening on the 6th July 2024.

The replicated Grand cinema was opened by Bill Mather who was a trainee projectionist in the 1950’s and Gary and Angela Hepple who donated the cinema  to the museum

our accreditations

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Carly Harrison
Administrator

Carly joined Wensley in 2025 as an Administrator. In her role, she provides support to the wider admin team while also taking responsibility for coordinating and overseeing operative training.

Shawna Lowrey
Administrator

Shawna has been with the company since 2022 and handles purchase invoicing and contract costing. She has completed an NVQ in Business Administration since joining the company.

Sam Donnelly
Senior Quantity Surveyor/Estimator

Sam has been with the company since 2013 gaining experience on the tools before transitioning to an office role and was supported by the company to earn a Degree in Quantity Surveying. He holds an NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.

James Roy
Senior Quantity Surveyor

James started with the company in 2011 having previously worked for a supplier, where he gained a knowledge and understanding of roofing products. He was supported by the company to earn a Degree in Quantity Surveying and holds an NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management.

Adam Rhodes
Contracts Manager

Adam began his career as a roofing operative in 2007, he learned on the job and holds an NVQ in Tiling and Slating. He worked his way up to team leader and after taking a short break and returning to the company in 2019, he was promoted to Contracts Manager. Adam oversees heritage-related projects.

Stephen Huitson
Contracts Manager

Stephen started with the company from school taking a break and returning in 2008, initially working on the tools before working his way up to Contracts Manager. He holds an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management, IOSH Health and Safety certification, and is qualified in scaffolding inspections and first aid. Stephen specialises in refurbishment and has experience in flat roofing. In 2014, he won an National Award from the NFRC for Health and Safety Champion of the Year.

Brian Percival
Contracts Manager

Brian joined Wensley Roofing Ltd in 1999 as a slater/tiler, having previously worked for them in a sub contractor capacity. Over the years, he progressed to his current role and now holds an NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management. He specialises in the new build sector.

Rob Dodds
Financial Director

Rob has been a part of the Wensley Roofing Ltd team since 1991. Starting his career in the office handling accounts, Rob holds an HND in Business Information Technology and gained his accounts qualifications on the job and is now CIMA certified. In addition to his expertise in finance, he holds HR and marketing qualifications, bringing a well-rounded skill set to the company.

Steven Luke
Managing Director

Steven has been at Wensley Roofing Ltd since 2007 working in various posts. In 2018 he was appointed Joint Managing Director, working with the founder of the business Keith Soulsby to ensure a smooth succession. He took sole charge of the business in 2020 and holds qualifications including BSc (Hons) Construction Management, HND Building Studies and Construction Site Management Safety Certificate.