Members of our Infrastructure Operations and Creative Industries teams on the new roof of B108
Building 108 has been hidden under a cloak of scaffolding and plastic for four months now. In this update we share the progress to date and how the building is shaping up as a teaching space for our ākonga (learners).
With many of our Creative Industries programmes due to move from the northern end of the campus to their new home at the heart of the Mt Albert campus, construction is in full flight.
While things may look fairly similar on the outside, the demolition works are 90% complete and the interior more closely resembles an aircraft hangar than a classroom, a huge change from its previous state.
The Infrastructure Operations team recently took members of the Creative Industries team on a walk-through of the building to show them the progress that has been made as well as a rare opportunity to take a walk on the roof. Brosnan, our contractor, has been doing a great job partnering on the project. They have provided insightful consultation and have taken an innovative approach to the roof design. At each stage, they have collaborated closely with Nick Hanvey’s team to deliver on time and on budget.
Asbestos removal
A huge part of this project has been the replacement of the old roof due to asbestos. Because of its toxic nature, the health and safety of those working on the project as well as surrounding staff and learners is of paramount importance. In addition to the high level of training and skills required to carry out this work, there is a robust process involved to ensure that all materials are safely contained during the removal process and the site is tightly controlled and monitored.
Inside B108
A comprehensive air monitoring of the site is regularly undertaken so that if any issues arise, work can halt immediately until the issue can be identified and remedied. As an added precaution an Asbestos Assessor recently conducted personal air monitoring for staff working on the roof and demolition. This was done with a random sample of staff over the course of a week and it has been really pleasing to see that all results have confirmed we are operating safely.
Walk throughs
You now have the opportunity to see the progress for yourself!
The Infrastrucutre Operations team is hosting walk throughs over the coming weeks, on Wednesdays at midday.
The roof
Please email safety@unitec.ac.nz if you’d like to join a walk through – bookings essential to ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available for everyone.
Meet at the Health and Safety space, Level 2 in B110. You’ll be kitted out with PPE (or bring your own), including steel cap boots, a hard hat and hi-vis.