Final Bolts Tightened On New Science Centre Steelwork This Week
On Tuesday 28 June, Headmaster, Ed Hester, visited the Science Centre construction site for his first official tour of the new building. He was accompanied by Trendgrey Construction MD, Nick Henderson, Princethorpe’s Project Manager, Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, along with, Head of Science, Emma Cooper, and two Sixth Form Science Subject Ambassadors, Hannah Lawrence and Tom Dodsley.
The Princethorpe contingent could clearly see the structure of the new Science Centre rising triumphantly at the north end of The Limes. The size and scope of the building evident to them all. It was also possible to see where most of the rooms and circulation areas will be and how the building will link to The Limes. This has been ‘Week 3’ of the steelwork, the final bolts of which should be tightened by the end of this week. The first-floor slabs are being craned into place by the steel erectors and the staircase at the north end is already in place. On the building the visitors could see silver I-beams, which are zinc galvanised to prevent the steels from rusting where they’re exposed to the weather. It was also possible to see the structure for the supports of the wooden arches which flank the two wings on the front of the building. A long-reach Liebherr 110t crane was in use on the site at the time, supplied by Ainscough, who have their local base just across the A423 in Princethorpe. Over the next weeks work will continue installing the first-floor slabs, on the sub-masonry and with the drainage.
Ed Hester, commented, “It was fantastic to be able to visit the site as the final stages of the steel work were being completed. Whilst we can see the new building progressing, to be able to get close up to the new structure and see how the drawings and plans are becoming a reality was exciting. I am amazed by the progress over the last few weeks. It is good to recognise the hard work and expertise that has brought us to this point.”
Significant progress has been made with the project since work started back in mid-February. It will be exciting for us all to see how the project has progressed when we return to school in September.