From: City Building Glasgow LLP, Projects Division, 350 Darnick Street, Springburn, G21 4BA
Date: 15/02/10

Dear Residents,
Work on site is progressing as planned with no major deviation from the revised programme of works, other than the delays we encountered during January due to the extremely cold weather. The work undertaken over the past weeks has been fairly repetitive and most of it has been undertaken on the underside of the capping slab. There is an extremely intricate network of supports to hold up the timber formwork that the concrete gets poured into. We are pouring the remainder of the capping slab concrete even as I write this update – 180 cubic metres of concrete will be poured today! We have also been concentrating on completing the foundations and back-filling around the foundation concrete on the classroom block, in preparation for the steelwork erection. All of this work takes place below ground level and therefore it’s hard to see progress.

Our planned start for the errection of the structural steelwork will be week commencing 22nd February for the classroom block and 1st March for the Community block, and it’s at that point that you will be able to see major leaps forward in terms of progress on site. One area where we would be grateful of your co-operation will be during the delivery of the structural steelwork. Due to the dimensions of the steel, the deliveries will be carried out using articulated lorries and 40ft trailers. As access to the site entrance is somewhat restricted, we would greatly appreciate your patience in allowing our lorries to access and egress from site. Once we have confirmed the actual delivery dates, we will contact you again and make you aware of these dates.

Whilst the errection of the structural steelwork is ongoing, we will be working on other parts of the site, bringing the surfaces up to formation levels, importing crushed stone, forming the various site levels and progressing drainage works.

Future Site Activity

The following is a broadbrush and basic summary of site activity over the next 4 weeks:

Week Commencing 15th February – Pouring of concrete capping slab, de-mobilisation of formwork. Commencement of foundations for ground beams at the community block. Drainage works to both buildings, preparation for steelwork.

Week Commencing 22nd February – As per previous week and also commencement of structural steel work to classroom block

Week Commencing 1st March – As per Week Commencing 22nd Feb (commencement of steelwork to community block

Week Commencing 8th March – As per previous week

Project Team

The project is still in its early stages and therefore the project team remains as per our previous newsletter:

Construction Manager: David McEwan (david.mcewan@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk)
Project Manager: Alan Mason (alan.mason@citybuildingglasgow.co.uk)

All of the site telecommunications are now up and running and we can now inform you of the site telephone numbers:

Fax Line: 0141 287 3447 Main Office Line: 0141 287 3446

The project team would like to express its thanks to the local residents for their patience and co-operation thus far and would like to remind you that if you wish to discuss any matter relating to the project then please do not hesitate to do so, the project team will be happy to provide any further information or assist with any other questions you have regarding the project. Our next newsletter will be issued in early March.

Kind Regards,
Hillhead Primary School Project Team

January 2010 newsletter (5MB)

If you have any photos for submission from around GOW or the local area, please send them to gowcommunity@gmail.com

October 2009 newsletter (5MB)

Present: David McEwan (Construction Manager for Project- City Buildings)

Local Residents: Catherine, Craig, Ellie, Sandra, Emma, Paul, David, Eric, Maggie, Andrew, Ross, May.

Discussion and Issues Raised:

• Start/Completion Dates
  The construction work will take 80 weeks to completion of the school. It will open in 2011. There are different phases and the start phase, the steel erection and concrete flooring are usually the noisiest.
• Considerate Construction
  Scheme will ensure that the site is well managed and maintained and that residents will receive consideration during the period of construction.
• Communication
  David will produce a newsletter for the site and is happy to attend GOW meetings to give us regular updates and provide information for the website. Contact at any time can be via the site phone number but till that is installed residents can call the free phone number: 0800 595595
• Kelvin Way
  Will be the main access point to the site and barriers have already been erected to protect pedestrians. A zebra crossing may also be introduced. There is a problem (with the existing cycle lane) which is still under discussion. Pedestrian Access to the site will be secure and via a turn-style, whilst vehicular access will be via a motorised rising arm barrier – linked to the site office. A banksman will be available for traffic marshalling that cannot be carried out safely using the automated system. The site will have 24 hour security.
• Building site
  Herres fencing is not ideal and will be replaced where practical by more permanent fencing. Discussion to be continued with Roads to see if this can be placed over the pavement on Otago Street. The construction process will be in phases and this first phase will be very active and with some noise.
• Trees
  Some large and mature have been felled as they would restrict construction. David said that trees are saved wherever possible and wood from those felled will be utilised as outdoor furniture when the school is completed. A re-planting scheme will also be undertaken when landscaping.
• Road system
  A Road Traffic Order has been introduced and this will make Otago Street (by the site) 2 way. Primarily this is to enable access by vehicles to the corner of the site as most traffic will come directly in from Gibson Street but it will also allow necessary equipment to be brought in as the construction work progresses when this is required. The same number of residents bays will be retained though it will mean fewer pay-and-display bays for visitors. Double yellow lines will be painted at the fencing when the scheme begins so that there is space for two way traffic.
• Piling
  The construction plan is intended to minimise disruption to local residents. David explained that piling methods used will not cause major force but will use drilling and thus will not be destabilising. (Rotary Percussion Piling a 4 stage process)
• Surveys
  Residents asked about the dilapidation surveys which are being carried out on some buildings. Residents whose properties are not being surveyed expressed concern. ACTION David agreed to make further enquiries about this and advise. Residents who have had their property surveyed will be able to have a copy of that report eventually
• The house in Westbank Lane
  Has been the subject of recent publicity. Views were expressed about this building which spoils the school site. The future of this building remains uncertain. Work to ensure water, BT and power supplies will not cross the school site is now underway.
• Design
  There is no alteration to the site of the bin area which will be on Otago Street. Residents asked that their views be noted by City Council and Architects. This location is without consideration of the effect on the existing community and unsatisfactory for residents as is changes to streetscape and makes it equivalent to a service lane. The consultation exercise was thought be residents to be devalued by this thoughtless aspect of the design.
• Westbank Lane
  The construction plan will now mean that this Lane will not be closed off for use by refuse collection.
• Students
  Are returning to this area at present and the security of the fencing and of signs or equipment which may be seen as trophies will receive attention on site.
• Dust
  Is a problem this week due to the dry weather but this stage will be short lived and is far less problematic in wet weather. The piling contractor will not deliberately introduce water to the drilling operation because this will cause the drilled waste to form a slag, which is difficult to extricate from the hole.

Residents thanked David for giving time to explain the Construction Plans and look forward to continued co-operation as building work continues.

A flat in 103 Otago street was broken into over the weekend, so as usual, be vigilant. If you see any odd or suspicious behaviour, don’t keep it to yourself :

• CALL the Police : 0141 532 3500
• TELL your neighbours

Where there are security doors, keep them closed. If a door is broken, contact your factor/landlord to let them know a repair is needed.

Close the backcourt gates after yourself and lock your close doors after putting out refuse.

DON’T just assume that “someone else will do it” ; whether calling the Police or factors. More calls just means speedier action.

It could be your laptop, TV or personal possessions next, please let’s do all we can to prevent any further break-ins or malicious fires in GOW.

June 2009 newsletter (17MB)