CIVIL and structural engineering specialist Portland Consulting expects to get its turnover back up to pre-recession levels after a number of contract wins in the leisure sector.

The Gateshead-based firm, which was set up in 2004, has been appointed by Quality Hotel owner Mike Chawla to provide structural engineering consultancy for the refurbishment of his South Tyneside hotel after it was damaged by a fire late last year.

After surveying the hotel, Portland is redesigning and refurbishing the areas which are salvageable, in addition to designing structures to rebuild what has been deemed beyond repair. Throughout the project, Portland will be working with project partners including cost consultant Fitzsimons and architects Street Design.

Portland director Peter Dwyer said: “I am delighted to be working with Mike Chawla again for the refurbishment and restructure of the Quality Hotel, with involvement in all aspects of the redevelopment from the outset.

“We previously worked on the internal refurbishment and building of a new golf club at its sister hotel, the George Washington.

“We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Mike and finding cost-effective solutions to create contemporary top-quality facilities for visitors to the region.”

A further contract win for Portland is the new Birtley Young Peoples Club in Gateshead, which is replacing the existing facility.