Landscaping Works to Entrance 1 and Fielding Johnson Building Update Easter 2011
Background
The improvement works around Entrance 1 and the Fielding Johnson Building entrance, were necessitated by the requirement to provide wheelchair access to the Fielding Johnson Building, to install additional cabling and ductwork, to undertake essential repairs to the underground infrastructure and to create safer pedestrian and cycle routes on to the campus. The work will also significantly enhance the environment in these areas.
When work began in September 2010 and it was anticipated that the redevelopment would be completed by the end of February 2011.
Unfortunately, the project has been beset with problems:
- This part of the campus dates back to early 19th century, consequently the project plan anticipated that the contractor would uncover changes to the drainage and underground services for which there was no documentation. In the event the tangled web of pipes and drains proved far more complicated than had been expected requiring the works to be redesigned on several occasions.
- The extremely cold weather prior to Christmas and early in the New Year significantly disrupted progress as it was impossible to lay materials, such as concrete, in those conditions.
- Late last month a leak in the water distribution network elsewhere on campus necessitated the replacement of an isolation valve adjacent to the security lodge. The location of the valve and the difficulties experienced in accessing it added further delay to the Entrance 1 work.
Planned Completion
Subject to there being no more surprises in the ground, continuing good weather and the contractor’s best endeavours we now expect completion of the whole scheme on May 20th, although completed sections will be handed over as they become available.
Key contacts
Peter Bale, Project Manager ext 5395
Mark Heggs, Clerk of Works, ext 2516
If neither of these individuals are available, please call the Estates General number 2504 and your message will be forwarded.
