Issue 67
22 September - 5 October 1998
STAFF NEWSPAPER OF IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE
Hard Hat
The completion of the Sir Alexander Fleming Building is just one of many ‘campus renaissance’ projects which have made headway since last term. “It’s been the busiest summer for Estates since the post-war redevelopment,” said head of Estates, Ian Caldwell. Two of the projects are reported here.Greatness restored
The completed £0.5 million refurbishment of the Great Hall, South Kensington campus, includes a dismountable stage, comfortable, foldaway seating, a new PA system and lighting, and a larger flat floor area. Disabled access to the stage has been improved and a hearing loop installed.Linda Baszczak, refurbishment projects manager, explained that the toilet area outside the Great Hall will be completed by mid-October and the reception area on level two will be ready by the end of the month.
A public entertainment licence (PEL) cannot be granted until all renovations are carried out. “We asked City of Westminster Council what was needed to obtain the licence and we are completing everything they asked for,” said Ms Baszczak.
The possession of a PEL will allow the College to stage concerts and recitals which can be open to the public in much the same way as a theatre or cinema.
“I hope that the Great Hall can now provide better educational and cultural opportunities for students and staff,” commented Professor Tim Clark, pro rector (educational quality).
A dramatic entrance
The £360,000 transformation of the junior common room (JCR) at South Kensington is finished in time for the new term while phase two of the project, the conversion of the old QT Snack Bar and kitchen into a new games area, is now in progress and will be completed by the end of October.“An exciting, new curved glazed screen wall on the walkway provides a dramatic entrance into the refurbished JCR and to the relocated STA Travel and QT Snack Bar. It also helps reduce congestion on the walkway,” said Alan Spehnjak, who designed the scheme with Estates Design Office colleagues.
“The main contractor for the works, Wallis, have progressed very well, particularly working within a busy occupied building,” Mr Spehnjak said. “We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation.”
Changes include vaulted ceilings, modern lighting and improved ventilation.
© Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, 1998
Last Revised: 3 October 1998