| Newsletter 11, February 1996 |
Progress Report in Pictures (~260kb)
The building work within the James Graham building at Beckett Park, to transform the old library into a larger learning centre fit for the next century, moves on apace. An early setback was the discovery of asbestos in the lighting surrounds of the old library ceiling, and this had to be removed by specialist contractors. However, it is hoped to make up most of the resulting delay during the remaining phases of the project. All the heavy demolition and building work was carried out with minimum disruption to work within the building, and the two additional (first and second) floors of the quadrangle infill, and a roof (!), are now in place. Flooring has been laid and includes extensive ducting to provide flexible arrangements for the delivery of power and telecommunications.
Current work is aimed at the internal working and finishing so that the first phase of the project (the ground and first floors of the quadrangle infill, together with the second floor IT "peripheral" space) can be handed over to LSS in March 1996. Paul Lavigueur is currently ordering the shelving and furniture required (following a tendering process) so that this phase of the project can be operational from April. (The second phase of the project which delivers the refurbished space around the quadrangle, currently occupied by lots of books, is due for completion in August '96 to be operational by September.)
John Heap
