The first days work has started on the Bandstand project at Merchistoun Hall. This community project funded by some 20 sponsors and Developers Contributions is being built out by students at Highbury College to give them some practicable experience working on a real project and with other trades on site. They would usually work with recycled materials that are then dismantled after a training session and practicable experience. This project will give them a permanent structure to work on which adds value to their training.
The first days work were undertaken by 11 year one students supported by 3 lecturers from Highbury and included the setting out of the Bandstand, checking it cleared the tree roots a planning condition), fencing off the works area, and then excavation of the foundations ready for concrete. Jewson kindly provided the minidigger and dumper at no cost, and the fencing came from Deborah Services who have loaned it for free during the project. HGP Architects in Fareham carried out the design work to submit the planning application and the Structural Design was provided again free of charge by engineers Reuby and Stagg of Ringwood.
The students used the design drawings to work out the setting out of the foundations and then marked them on the ground using a (very old) theodolite of mine. During the day some 60 tons of soil and clay was excavated. Some of this will be used for landscaping on the grounds and the rest will be sent away to landfill (sponsor required…). Benlee, a local groundworks company helped with the final grading off of the excavation to ensure the foundations were up to scratch for inspection by the Building Control officer.
Currently we are looking for sponsors for the following:
Sand and Cement for the blockwork
Timber for the roof structure
Tiles for the roof
Gutters and Downpipes
3 loads of crushed concrete
3 loads of clean clay muck away by grab lorry
Scaffolding for the blockwork and rendering
10 bulk bags of topsoil
The sponsors of the scheme to whom we are very grateful for are as follows:
East Hants District Council – £14,500 in Developers Contributions and grants
HGP Architects – Full architectural design and preparation of building regs and planning permission documents.
Reuby & Stagg Structural Engineers – Full structural design and calcs for building regs.
Bourne Steel – Fabrication and delivery of the steel frame which supports the roof structure.
Bouygues UK – Bricks, Blocks, staff time and an engineers survey for the planning drawings and estate regeneration.
Whelan and Grant – Concrete and steel reinforcement for the structure.
Midwest – Concrete for the foundations and some skilled concrete placers to help demonstrate to the students
Structural Steelcraft – Will be erecting the steel frame
NA Curtain Walling – 10mm armoured glass for the windows
Linden Homes – Full support for the project and a whopping contribution to be negotiated.
PC Builders Ltd – small local firm who are very keen to help and we will work with them to find a good item.
Deborah Services LTD – Free Heras Fencing Hire
Jewsons – Free Dumper and excavator Hire
Benlee – JCB and driver and labour to help bottom out the foundations
Elliotts and Polypipe – Egg Crate drainage system and below ground drainage supplies
Sean Mason – Local electrician supporting the project with cabling and ductwork for lighting and power
Cowplain Turf – Secure Storage
