Case Study: Colinwell & Retain – “Great Wall of Scotswood” with Allan Block Retaining Walls

12 November 2025

Project: The Rise, Scotswood, UK 

Allan Block Supply and Install Partners: Colinwell & Retain Solutions 

Groundworks Contractor: HMH Civils 

Wall Design: Retain Solutions & Card Geotechnics 

Client: New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC), a public-private partnership comprising Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat Homes 

Solution: Allan Block Retaining Wall System  

Challenge 

The Rise in Scotswood is located on steeply sloping terrain along the Tyneside valley, presenting a significant engineering challenge for the construction of new homes. The site required a solution that could provide stable, buildable plots while meeting stringent safety and ground stability requirements. 

Known as the “Great Wall of Scotswood,” this project involves some of the largest Allan Block retaining wall installations in the UK, with nine more walls still to build. The development is part of a major regeneration programme in Newcastle’s West End, delivered for the New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC).  

Solution 

Retain Solutions, in partnership with Card Geotechnics, designed a solution using Colinwell’s Allan Block Retaining Wall System. Retain then installed the walls to form a series of terraces along the hillside, rather than cutting into the slope. 

Key aspects of the solution: 

• Collaboration & Planning: Close coordination with NTWDC, developers, and civil engineers to meet height, load, and stability requirements, particularly over historical mine workings. 

• Precision Engineering: Meticulous installation of Allan Block units, combining strength with aesthetic appeal delivered by Retain Solutions. 
• Efficiency & Scalability: Robust, cost-effective, and adaptable approach across the large site. 

Results To Date 

• Over 1.4 kilometres of retaining walls installed  

• Wall heights reaching up to 8.8 metres 

• Total wall area covering 4,800m² 

• Stable, terraced plots enabling the construction of new homes 

• Sustainable, visually appealing infrastructure integrated seamlessly into the landscape 
• Demonstrated partnership value between Colinwell and Retain on a complex engineering project 

The Rise, Scotswood, now stands as a major engineering achievement and a lasting foundation for a thriving new community in Newcastle’s West End. 

Learn more about Allan Block Retaining Wall Systems at Colinwell: 
https://www.colinwell.com/products/colinwell-allan-block-retaining-wall-systems