Demolition is expected to take approximately 10 months from July 2015 to April 2016. It will involve several stages, which are summarised in this video showing the sequence from hoarding off the site in 2015 to leaving it ready for new construction 2016.
January 2016 progress update
November 2015 progress update
All asbestos has now been removed from the four buildings and all perimeter scaffolding and sheeting to shroud the St Clement and Clare Market towers has been completed. Completion of the scaffold has allowed for structural demolition of these buildings to commence. The link bridge between the Library and St Clements tower has now be completely removed and the scaffold struck from above the Plaza Café and John Watkins Plaza. Cantillon commenced with the structural demolition of the St Clements and Clare Market Towers on 4th November 2015. The demolition of the towers is running simultaneously with a team working in each building. Works are progressing well and on programme. The central lightwell to the East Building and Link Bridge between Clare Market and East Building has now been removed. This area is being used to process demolition waste prior to it being removed from site. The Old building link bridge is the next to be removed.
Please note: Westminster City Council have agreed a slight change to the quiet periods. These were 10am -12pm; and 2-4pm but as from Monday 23rd November 2015 these times will be change as follows, giving an additional half an hour of quieter time in the afternoons offset by a half an hour earlier start in the mornings:
Noisier – 7.30am-10am
Quieter - 10am-12pm;
Noisier – 12pm-2pm;
Quieter – 2pm-4.30pm;
Noisier – 4.30pm-6pm
Will demolition be disruptive?
All construction projects are by their nature disruptive but we aim to limit the impact on the School as much as possible.
We will:
-
Ensure there are quiet periods as per Westminster City Council (WCC) guidelines (usually 10am -12pm; and 2pm-4.30pm)
-
Negotiate with WCC on when we can work which may be starting earlier and/or finishing later in the weekday and on Saturdays. This requires WCC approval
-
Ensure contractors use the School’s quieter periods (vacations) for their most disruptive activities
-
Specify the type of machines and equipment so it has less of an impact
-
Require use of demolition machines which hydraulically ‘nibble’ away at the building fabric instead of impact tools which cause more noise
-
Install secondary glazing to those adjacent buildings impacted by the works
-
Install acoustic ‘quilts’ on party walls to St Clements to provide insulation from noise and the weather
-
Provide attractive and acoustic screening of the site in Houghton Street and Clare Market
Will demolition and construction disrupt normal School activities such as lectures and exams?
Contractors will be required to limit their works during certain key dates and periods. No noisy works will be carried out on graduation days but works will continue during Summer School and during term time. During other key dates the contractors are required to respect sensitive working practices which means:
-
Vehicle movements in and around campus may be restricted.
-
The contractor must at all times employ Best Practicable Means as defined by Section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1972 to minimise the effects of noise and vibration, but any activities generating extremes of noise, vibration and dust to be ceased.
-
No works outside the demise of the CBR construction site.
-
No works to be undertaken that have potential to disrupt key services (power, data, water, gas)
Details of these key dates can be found on the working hours page if you notice any errors or omissions please contact us to discuss estates.centrebuildings@lse.ac.uk.