This article was published on November 16, 2017
We have recently completed a very rewarding project working on the restoration of Greatham Community Centre in Hartlepool. The original building was founded in 1834, re-built in 1878 when it became a school and enlarged in 1928. It then went on to become a Community Centre in 1971 where it has turned into an established and well loved building within the area.
We manufactured and installed twelve Factory Decorated 90mm and five 68mm Flush Casement Windows featuring Georgian Bars to replicate the original design. However, to meet today’s high standards the windows were manufactured with toughened safety glass feature High Security Multi-point Locking Systems and Connisseur Lever Handles.
We also restored a Gothic Arched Window which included the installation of a new fixed secondary glazed unit to aid the retention of heat within the old building. This window is the last surviving window from the original building dating back to its conception in 1834.
The project to restore this beloved building took off in 2015 when they were awarded a £47,000 grant from Veolia Environmental Trust which they put towards fixing the leaky roof and central heating system. The people behind Greatham Community Centre have also been working hard holding events and fundraisers to raise money for more improvements and, after winning a new grant worth £38,000 from Impetus Environmental Trust, approached us regarding replacing and refurbishing the windows in the building as they were in a bad state of dis-repair. The original Casement windows were installed during the enlargement of the school in 1928 and this is the first time they have been replaced since.
Brain Walker, treasurer of Greatham Community Association, thanked us on behalf of everyone effected by the restoration saying ‘We still keep looking at the new windows hardly able to believe that we have finally been able to renew them. They look great and everyone is getting used to the novelty of being able to open them after years of living with windows swollen or painted shut. Your workers did a fabulously efficient job with the new installations and the one restoration, truly impressed with ERW all round.’
The effort that this community has put in to maintain this beautiful, old, Georgian School has been amazing and with a long way still to go people continue flocking in to help. As a company ERW are proud to be a part of the group of people responsible for bringing Greatham Community Centre back to life.
Project makes the press. Read the Hartlepool Mail news article on the project here.

There’s a common belief among heritage homeowners that you can’t improve your heritage home – let us introduce you to vacuum glazing. Whether it’s the tight constraints of planning permission, or a reluctance to hinder the visual appearance of listed buildings, heritage homeowners are often reluctant to attempt to renovate their home in any regard, […]
If you’ve ever renovated, or are looking to renovate your home, you’ve likely asked yourself “What is U Value?”. U Value is a term that is becoming harder and harder to avoid in the modern day, likely because it’s closely related to topics you’re more familiar with, such as: energy efficiency, sustainability, and Net Zero. […]
With summer upon us, it’s time to make the most of your outdoor space, and spend some time in your garden! Perhaps this year is the perfect time for a refresh, a time for something different to encourage you and your family to utilise your garden. By reinventing your outdoor space, you’ll have the chance […]
We have had windows from you since 2007 and been very please with the service given, from first response to final completion. All staff are extremely pleasant and efficient. Very good attention given to the finish of each installation.
Mr & Mrs G, Hutton Rudby
A superb job! We’re really delighted with all our new windows. We’d like to thank ERW very much.
The installation team of Craig, Aarron and Joe were very professional, worked well together and got on with the job efficiently to complete everything ahead of time. They were very polite and communicated well with us about the job in hand and the time scale, and we were impressed that they cleared up so well each day before leaving. We would like to thank them for all their workmanship, advice, help and good humour.
The quality of the items made off-site was very high. The 7 windows look really good, they operate well and the finish is excellent. Hopefully, next winter’s gas and electricity bills will show the benefit.
From our initial contact with Stuart and our visit to the showroom, through the technical survey by Andy and the co-ordination by Sophie and Jeff, to the final installation, we’re more than happy with the whole process. We’re so pleased that we chose ERW for our continuing efforts at improving our 115-year-old home. We will certainly come back for the final stage of work on our windows in due course.
Mr and Mrs C, Darlington
ERW has been a major contributor in improving the physical appearance and energy conservation in our property which sits in the middle of Stokesley’s conservation area. In four phases of design and installation since early 2018 you have helped transform our property with complete distinction.
From assistance given to lodging planning applications with Hambleton District Council through advice on window design and final installation, I can give no higher praise than commending ERW on every aspect of installation.
I first visited your showroom and workshop in the Autumn of 2017 and was impressed with the factory tour afforded me by Kirsty Semark (Customer Service Supervisor). I was convinced that ERW could provide the solution to upgrading our ageing timber windows and appreciate the help and courtesy extended from you and all your staff – many of whom I have met during our four phases of installation.
The very recent installation of a new ‘Eton’ front door enhances the front elevation with perfection.
Please convey our sincere thanks to everyone involved with the workmanship, installation and administration.
Mr U, Stokesley
I love our new doors. They are absolutely gorgeous and exactly what I’d imagined. Every step of the process has been easy, well managed and clearly communicated, which I have come to appreciate is not always the case.
The installation crew that has been here for the past two days has been friendly and highly professional. They did a great job.
Thank you so much for taking the time to walk us through your showroom and workshop back in December. I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.
Ms Hinthorne
Brochure Download
We're not able to carry out installations in your postcode area, however, we can still design and create your door, and you can liaise with a local fitter in your area to install it.
Close