Work is continuing on EMB level 2, where flooring and ceiling decoration is progressing following the completion of demolition in that area. In the Atrium the temporary scaffold roof is currently being removed, steel work for the new lift shaft is being installed, and the new roof and gutter to Sheaf level 2 is almost complete. Next week (w/b 25 April) demolition of the ramp and small staircase alongside Sheaf, and the top of the concrete partition, will begin. This work, which will take a minimum of five days, will inevitably cause some significant noise disruption in this area. We are aiming to mitigate this as far as possible by restricting some of this heavy work to before 9am, and have worked with the timetabling team to move all teaching out of this area while this work is carried out.
An unpleasant smell reported from the Atrium works was investigated and tracked down to the temporary waterproofing on the roof, which should now have been rectified. Staff should be aware that it is possible that the same issue will arise with further waterproofing work in the new lift area, although the contractors will make every effort to limit further problems.
We have also been working to improve the cleanliness of occupied areas close to where work is taking place, especially in room 4027 which is particularly exposed. The contractors have now employed a cleaner, who is on site for five hours each day to tidy shared areas and around the Atrium works.
In the last update it was stated that teaching areas in Sheaf level 2 would be handed back to us by the end of April but the work required to make these ready for specialist use – especially in the new SCALE UP room – is taking the contractors longer than we expected. Therefore it’s likely to be the end of May before these rooms become available. No teaching was scheduled to take place in these rooms before then and the impact on staff and students will be minimal.
Preparation works for the tower crane, on the site of the old NMB, have been completed. Although the contractors had initially confirmed to us that the crane will be operational by Monday 25 April, this has now been moved to May with an actual date yet to be finalised.
Finally, we are currently working with the contractors to agree a detailed plan and timescales for the next phase of the project, which is due to begin in early May and includes the refurbishment of areas of Sheaf level 1. More information about these arrangements will be circulated to staff working and operating in these areas as soon as possible.