The URS Building, a Grade II listed building constructed circa 1970 – 72, is in the centre of the University of Readings Whiteknights Campus. UoR is currently carrying out internal and external works across the whole of the URS building to bring it back into functional use.
As part of the enabling works and in advance of the main refurbishment and repurposing of the existing building, we have been appointed to deliver the strip out (shell and core) of the internal walls, doors, equipment, and existing building services to bring the building back to its basic form ready for the next chapter of its life.
The works started with demolition and removal of internal walls and service risers. Along with the removal of access walls to concealed service risers, further licensed asbestos removal was also undertaken. It was fascinating getting into all the old crevices of this building, seeing how it was originally designed and how its use, and services evolved.
We removed existing doors and selected windows to establish future replacement method, then temporarily sealed and weatherproofed, protecting the opening. We also removed two existing lifts, leaving protection in place.
The works required us to arrange for temporary emergency lighting, a wireless temporary fire alarm system connected into the campus wider network and a temporary power supply.
The building is located within a busy campus requiring careful planning and co-ordination with multiple stakeholders. The building is on a major thoroughfare for the campus so clear segregation, pedestrian walkways, good communication, signage and a polite attitude were all needed.