If you walk along Whiting Street past the Guildhall site you will see that once again there is scaffolding up. This time it covers most of the back roof. The photographs show the 19th Century extension including the lantern over the original council chamber which later became the Second World War Operations Room. The tiles having been removed the supporting structure is being inspected to look for signs of deterioration; inspection so far does give rise for some concern. If repairs are straightforward the work should be complete in the Spring at an estimated cost of about £130,000. If more extensive deterioration is found this would extend the timescale and cost. At present we see this as a significant risk which we are watching closely. This work is fundamental to the rest of the Guildhall Project; without a sound roof other plans cannot go ahead. Our Project Manager and our architects Whitworth are managing this as a discrete project, and Lodge’s with their sub-contractors have the contract. You will recall that they did an excellent job for us on the front roof.
Meanwhile…
Meanwhile planning is well advanced for the main capital works contract. Again our Project Manager and Whitworth are working closely together and with our interpretation consultants Tricolor in order to draft detailed tender documentation. This has to be specific enough with regard to conservation, repair and alteration work to elicit credible and accurate responses from prospective contractors. The aim is to commission a single lead contractor, and at present it is hoped that work will follow on seamlessly from that on the back roof. For a number of reasons this work will start some weeks later than we had originally planned but it is still expected that we will complete on time next Summer.