Building Works to the Old Grammar School
May 2021
Work commenced on site on the 18th May to remove materials containing asbestos, for the safety of the contractors initially, and then for staff and visitors when it re-opens.
Strip out and demolition started the following week, which mainly consisted of removing the ceiling and stonework in the lobby area, taking out the old library kitchen and WC and demolishing their walls. This is to form a larger entrance lobby serving both the library and Vesey Room and to make room for a new staircase to the first floor. A doorway was also cut through to provide a new entrance for the library. The gas heaters and pipes were also removed from the library.
This was followed by installing a steel beam on new brickwork piers to support a roof truss and the future stair landing. At the same time the old library doorway was blocked up.
June 2021
July 2021
On the 5th July work started on removing the floorboards at first floor level. This was followed by treating the floor joists to prevent rot and insect infestation. The next stage was to fit chicken wire between the joists to keep the sound insulation off the ceiling below and then the insulation was installed. In the meantime new electric cables had been installed in the ceiling void for lighting and power and also alarm cables. The floor was then re-laid.
This enabled grit blasting to be carried out to the roof trusses to remove old paint and to allow these to be treated to prevent rot and insect infestation, which has now been completed.
Fabrication of the stairs has been carried out in the factory, ready for delivery, which will be after works to the ceiling, floor and walls have been done in the lobby area.
The drainage for the disabled WC, kitchen and library toilet has been installed and the area prepared for a new concrete floor.
Timber studwork at the first floor has commenced and also roof insulation. Electrical socket boxes have been fitted.
August 2021
