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.

Eric Kay of GOW met Mark Smithers and Andrew Moncreiff from Unite in Offshore on 26 November 2008.
Unite have commissioned and manage several Glasgow based student accommodation residences. They have many more UK wide. No10 Gibson Street is due for hand over and occupancy mid to late January 2009.
Mark is the Hospitality Manager for the Gibson Street site and Andrew manages the residencies in Yorkhill. The Gibson Street residence will have 93 bedrooms with en suite facilities arranged in a variety of forms from studios to shared flats. Prices will be upwards  from £109 per week depending on type of accommodation. The majority of first residents are expected to be international students from China and the Far East attending Caplin International School.

As neighbours of the new unit, GOW residents are interested in the day to day management arrangements for the site, including noise, bin uplifts, supervision etc. as well as how Unite on Gibson Street hopes to integrate into our established community. Our annual Gibson Street Gala may provide Unite with an opportunity to work with residents and local Traders.

On a practical note : The building has a central courtyard where refuse and recycling bins will be kept. Refuse and recyclables will be collected via the gates onto Gibson Street and so the pavement will not be obstructed. Unite is proud if its green credentials and so recycling provisions will be in place for the arrival of the new tenants.

You may have seen the ‘To Let’ sign affixed to the lower level of the building – there was speculation earlier in the year if this commercial space would house a mini-supermarket, (along the lines of a Tesco Express), but currently the expectation is that it will be a sandwich shop or food provider although the contract has not yet been finalised.
For local residents who may be interested to see the completed development and the facilities provided, the managers indicated that there would be an opportunity to visit to view once the building has been “signed over”.

All in all, the meeting was positive and reassuring with the Unite representatives keen to show their understanding of the great impact the development will have on our area.