the physical community

The University undertook a wide range of major and minor works and refurbishments over the period across the campuses.

During the year, £1.2 million was spent on an ongoing programme of upgrades and refurbishment, including the first phase of works to remove physical barriers in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act.

Major works
Major construction projects in progress through the year included:

• Fire Safety Engineering Research Facility, Jordanstown (£3.3 million)
• Learning Resources Centre, Jordanstown (£6.7 million)
• Learning Resources Centre, Magee (£6.7 million).

Refurbishments
At Coleraine, Phase I of a major concrete repair programme of the Science Schools was completed at a cost of £100,000. Windows were also replaced in the Schools with new aluminium draughtproof, double- glazed, thermal break windows at a cost of £120,000.A new 50 seat open access computer lab was due for completion for the beginning of Semester 1 of the new academic year. In all, the Department of Physical Resources undertook refurbishments and improvements to teaching facilities totalling £250,000.

Facilities for disabled students, staff and visitors were upgraded. Toilets were refurbished and a new lift was installed to provide disabled access to the Refectories and Senior Common Room. Four sets of automatic doors were installed in Block L providing disabled access from the lift to all other areas of Central Buildings.

Learning Resources Centre at Magee
The Foundation Stone of the Learning Resources Centre was laid at the Magee campus by Sir Richard Nichols, Governor of the Honourable The Irish Society, using the same engraved silver trowel the Society used to lay the foundation stone of Magee College in August 1856.The largest single construction project at the campus since the building of the original Magee College, the new Centre will bring advanced learning facilities to the 3500+ students and staff on the campus.

Professor Jim Allen, Provost of the campus, welcomed the development:
“The Magee campus is our most rapidly expanding campus. The new Centre will provide the much needed state-of-the-art facilities required by the university to support its expansion plans. With the planned developments in Media and the Performing Arts, Irish Cultural Heritages, Law and Health Sciences – plus the continued expansion in the areas of computer science, social policy and business sector – student  numbers are confidently predicted to be well in excess of 5000 within the University’s planning horizon of  8-10 years.”

Two new Research Pavilions were completed in April and May respectively on the Aberfoyle site at a cost of £2.7 million as part of the Northern Ireland Science Park initiative. An area of Block MF formerly occupied by North West College as an art studio was converted into a multifunctional area offering three 50-seat teaching rooms, or one large conference space together with reception area, seminar room and a kitchen. A major refurbishment work at the front entrance of the main building at Magee is under construction. The new entrance will provide disabled access via a newly constructed natural stone ramp, electronic doors and a remodelled reception counter. The toilets have also been totally refurbished incorporating a new disabled toilet and a baby changing facility.

Jordanstown
A new commercial block and rear entrance to the campus were completed at a cost of £650,000.Tenants of the commercial block include a bank, mini-market and coffee bar. The new front entrance and extension to the existing library were also completed. The refurbishment of the existing library is underway and when completed Jordanstown will have a fully integrated Learning Resources Centre.

Belfast
On the Belfast campus, the crèche and kitchen facilities were upgraded. A new computer laboratory was provided at a cost of £150,000.The Exhibition Space became a major gallery area and hosted shows and events throughout the year.

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