Early works for the Library redevelopment are set to begin from Tuesday 12 July. Work taking place over the next three weeks will mostly focus on getting the site prepared for large-scale works happening later this summer. A full outline of work is available here.

Early works for the Library redevelopment are set to begin from Tuesday 12 July.

Work taking place over the next three weeks will mostly focus on getting the site prepared for large-scale works happening later this summer. Please be aware that there may be bursts of noisy work during this period.

Week 1: The first task is to set up the contractor’s site behind the Library, incorporating the lawns and gardens. You will still be able to enter the Library at the usual front entrance. However, the access road behind the Library will be closed off for the duration of the works. Disabled parking bays will be available elsewhere.

Week 2: Protective hoardings will be erected outside the Library building. More hoardings will go up inside the Library on all floors around the glass-fronted south stairs, in preparation for the construction of new lifts in this area. Information desks may be relocated on the 2nd and 4th floors but access to all library stock will be unaffected. Cafe Libro service will also be unaffected.

Week 3: Work will begin on south staircase, which may be noisy at times. Library bike racks will temporarily relocate to the overhang outside the front of the URS Building.

Those requiring floor-by-floor details can find more information in the grid below:

Area Week 1: w/c 11 July Week 2: w/c 18 July Week 3: w/c 25 July
Basement Set out temporary hoardings

 

Dilapidation surveys

 Install temporary protection locally to book collection

 

Southern staircase closed

 Commence Internal hoardings

 

Commence temporary works
Ground floor Set out temporary hoardings

 

Dilapidation surveys

 Commence relocation of coffee shop equipment

 

Commence relocation and removal of services of condensers

 

Southern staircase closed

 Relocate staff and furniture from ground floor offices to new locations

 

Commence isolation of services

 

Southern staircase closed
First floor Dilapidation surveys Setting out hoardings

 

Southern staircase closed

 Remove furniture and store

 

Soft strip southern staircase
Second floor Dilapidation surveys Set out hoarding

 

Southern staircase closed

 Commence hoarding

 

Soft strip southern Staircase
Third floor Dilapidation surveys Setting out of hoardings

 

Southern staircase closed

 Soft strip southern Staircase
Fourth floor No works Dilapidation surveys

 

Southern staircase closed

 Soft Strip southern staircase
Fifth floor No works Dilapidation surveys

 

Southern staircase closed

 Set out hording

 

Strip out southern staircase
Roof / Plant level No work Surveys

 

Southern staircase closed

 Setting out
Cycle shed No work Setting out

 

Temporary hoarding

 Temporary relocate existing bike racks to overhang at front of URS Building
Site establishment Install temporary site cabins

 

Suspend all parking bays to rear library road

 

Install temporary site compound to parking bays to the rear of the Library.

 

Install site accommodation

 Relocation of bin store

 

Excavate and construct hard standing.

 

Excavate and install temporary drainage

 

Commence perimeter  hoarding

 

Southern staircase closed

 Temporary power and water to site

 

Accommodation / Compound commencing

 

Continue  compound and hording lighting

 

A Powerpoint presentation illustrating each area of work can be downloaded here.

It is currently anticipated that the majority of noisy work will take place in the morning up until 10:00am.

If you have any queries about the works, please contact Paul Johnson, Head of Collections and Space.

For further information about the Library redevelopment, please visit www.reading.ac.uk/library/refurb.