PROJECT PROFILE
NEW GATE ARTS & CULTURE CENTRE, DERRY/LONDONDERRY
Brian Doughtery, Chief Executive of North West Cultural Partnership, receiving a plaque to mark the handover by Paul McSorley, Site Manager at QMAC Construction Ltd.
adjustments to accommodate the complexities of the infill site.
Heritage preservation efforts extended to restoring doors, refurbishing windows, and revitalising a brass letterbox, underscoring the commitment to honouring the building’s rich history. A render and lead design with blockwork and steel upstands for the dance studio balcony was identified by the site management team as liable to cause future damp ingress. It was therefore redesigned accordingly in consultation with the architect and accepted. A period of significant inflation was experienced during the construction period. This became a risk factor which was managed daily, along with material lead-times to protect the Critical Path. The achievement of a Flemish bond feature in the brickwork served as a testament to QMAC’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. COMPLETION Commenting on the project, Jack Bothwell, Contracts Manager at QMAC Construction Ltd, said, “Overall, this was a challenging project. It involved many aspects including the restoration and refurbishment of an old building, the integration of new
services, the construction of a modern extension to marry with the existing building, the specialist fit-out of a theatre space to meet acoustics requirements, working within a confined footprint with neighbouring residents and restricted space for material storage – all within a dedicated conservation area. The key was pre-planning the construction sequence using weekly activity plans, as well as assigning site management and supply chain members who were each experienced in heritage projects. We wish NWCP every success for the future.”
The restoration of the 9-inch-thick external walls presented its own set of challenges. The original sand and cement lime render were removed. On the inside the finish was made good. For the external side, a mesh was installed followed by a lime render. Collaboration with the structural engineer was essential to address loose brickwork and ensure structural integrity. Throughout the project, a high specification of construction was delivered, with a focus on implementing modern amenities such as underfloor heating while preserving the building’s heritage elements. Temporary works played a significant role in facilitating the construction process. The structural engineer acted as temporary works designer and the contract manager as temporary works coordinator. Dust, noise and vibration were all monitored as the site was in an urban area with neighbouring residents. In addition to meeting technical challenges, the project met social value criteria by engaging local supply chain members, delivering community presentations and hosting site visits from community groups.
PROJECT TEAM...
Client: North West Cultural Partnership Main Contractor: QMAC Construction Ltd Architect: McGurk Architects Structural Engineer: Design ID NEC Project Manager: Faithful + Gould Mechanical Contractor: Mooney Mechanical Installations Ltd Electrical Contractor: KMDL Engineering NI Ltd
156 Pomeroy Rd, Pomeroy, Dungannon BT70 2TY T: +44 (0) 28 8776 7088 - E: info@qmacconstruction.com www.qmacconstruction.com
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