Connell Brothers have expanded on their experience of working within the confines of live university campuses following their recent contract at The University of Central Lancashire.

The Four Storey Kendal building and the adjacent single storey asbestos clad engineering building were demolished to allow for the installation of a new fire escape staircase and the construction of a car park at the Preston Campus, as part of a multi million pound redevelopment.

The Kendal Building was one of the original Preston Polytechnic buildings built in the early 1960’s. It was originally a three storey structure built using many pre-cast concrete elements, some of which were pre-stressed.

The Kendal Building is unique in the sense that a further entirely independent floor was added in the mid 1990’s. This was provided with an independent steel frame with hollow section columns placed around the outside of the building. The building was also linked to the adjacent Leighton Building by a three storey link corridor which cantilevered into the Kendal Building.

Access to the site from the Leighton Building was prevented by blocking off each corridor at the position of the fire doors.

Access to the staff canteen and Maudland Building was via a scaffolded walkway located adjacent to the canteen.

Entry to the remaining site was prevented by erecting a hoarding in the lobby area.
Due to the highly sensitive location of the project stringent measure had to be implemented to control noise, dust and vibration.

Furthermore the works necessitated a very tight programme as the demolition had to be completed within 12 weeks to allow for the installation of the new fire escape in time for the imminent return of the students.

One of the most challenging aspects of the contract was the separation of the link corridor building and the protection of the electrical switch room which served the other campus buildings.

This necessitation careful hand separation techniques and the utilisation of a mobile crane which systematically lifted out the pre cast panels. The main structure was demolished using Connell Brothers 28 hydraulic demolition excavator.

Careful planning and liaison are also playing a crucial role in the smooth running of the contract. As principal contractor Connell brothers had to co – ordinate, oversee and control the operations of over a dozen sub contractors who were often working concurrently on site. This included mechanical and electrical installation, piling, steel erection, cladding, pre cast concrete, finishings, and tarmacing to name but a few.

Working closely with the University was also essential. Regular safety and progress meetings are held with numerous departments within the University to alleviate any concerns that they may have as the works proceed.

The vast experience of university projects carried out by Connell Brothers has paid dividends. The technical manager in charge of the works Mr Chris Graham said, “This project has been very interesting due to the unique design of the building which in a sense makes it two buildings in one. Another aspect which has been of interest is the large amount of building works which we have had to manage.”

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