What's happening on site?

24 November 2010

Progress Report

W.Stirland Ltd have now finished their work at the Butter Market. The project has been interesting and enjoyable whilst extremely challenging at the same time.

We believe the Architect's vision of an old styled shopping lane with a high quality contemporary feel has been achieved and we are sure the residents , shoppers and visitors to Chichester will enjoy this exciting addition to the city's facilities.

The nature of the refurbishment of a Grade 2* listed building, with significant local interest and history, has led to a variety of complex issues to overcome, such as the structural work required to support the removal of the first floor walls , and the uncovering of an 18th century well which brought us to work alongside the very respected local archaeologist Chris Pine.

Although there have been many unforseen obstacles during the renovation of this historic building, speaking on behalf of myself and my site team, we are very proud to have been given the opportunity to be part of the development of the Butter Market . We look forward to this being a successful and distinctive part of city life.

On a personal note I would like to thank Orion Developments (Southern) Ltd for choosing W.Stirland Ltd for this project and wish it all success in the future.

Photographs by Alec Cazas.

13 October 2010

Progress Report

The External works are now all but complete with a few minor repairs to existing render and some decoration to finish. JWP Stone Restoration have spent some time consolidating the front facade stonework, to ensure the historic characteristics of the Butter Market are allowed to continue for years to come.

Internally, on the ground floor, Samson Carpentry have completed the timber shop fronts allowing the decoration by H&S Decorators to begin adding colour and a high quality finish. Elsewhere, on the ground floor the new front gates are being installed similar in style to orignals. The new stone flooring has been installed including granite accent strips highlighting the existing steel centre columns.

On the first floor, carpentry works to the three shop fronts are also complete allowing the decoration to be carried out along with the finishes to the spacious timber flooring.

As with all projects, we are working very hard to achieve our completion date and are pleased to see the project shape and transforming into a beautifully characterful historic building.

20 August 2010

Progress Report

External works are progressing. We have now completed the roof works including the 2 large roof lanterns that cast vast amounts of natural light down into the first floor. We will imminently be striking the scaffolding to the rear of the building which will allow us to complete the external decoration works. The Historic front facade has been cleaned by a specialist company who will also be carrying out a few consolidation work items to the stone which will allow the building to retain its
current natural charms.

Inside the building on the Ground floor the shop fronts are being constructed with the new layout now taking shape allowing us to see the impressive centre corridor with stylish detailed timber shops. Whilst these works are proceeding we are also starting to lay the internal floor finishes of timber shop floors and tiled centre corridor. The new feature glass lift shaft is also beginning to take shape with the similarly styled steel staircase wrapping around rising to the 1st floor.

On the 1st floor works are also progressing in full flow to create the 3 rear shop
units and allowing us to see for the first time the extent of the large 4th unit to the 1st floor.

The site team are pleased with the progress thus far and are intensifying the speed of works with every passing week to push forward the project whilst also maintaining the high quality required to ensure the finished project fit and suits the beautiful nature of this historic building.

14 June 2010

Progress Report

The first floor works are progressing very well. On site we have all steels in place and are currently carrying out our support works to the roof which included making new truss supports on site, to ensure they match the originals.

Whilst these works are continuing we are also creating the new central flat roof area which will allow us, once complete, to take down the centre spine masonry wall. This will give us a good sense of the large area available upstairs.

The ground floor is also progressing. Currently we are completing the excavation of levels which will allow us to install all drainage, lift pit and concrete slab base.

Works have slowed a little due to the discovery of what is believed to be a medieval well necessitating the involvement of a local Archaeologist, under the supervision of Chichester District Councils Archaeology Office, to fully excavate and document his findings for future generations.

Externally works are moving forward with the new extension brickwork nearing completion. On site we are preparing to start works on the front facade to clean and preserve the wonderful stone work without disrupting its historical charm.

With each month that passes we are looking forward to the next busy phase and are hoping for some good British summer weather as the roof works are carried out!

14 May 2010

Progress Report

On the ground floor, all demolition work is now complete and we are currently carrying out piling works to allow a new steel column to be installed at the front of the Butter Market to support the historic steel girder.

On the first floor, our labour force is finishing the network of new steel columns and beams which will eventually support the new flat roof and large roof lanterns allowing views skywards.

Once the first floor steels are all in place, it will allow us to complete the carpentry works and final demolition of the centre spine masonry wall which will allow us our first views of the ground floor expanse.

Externally the scaffolding is now complete and works to the external walls is imminent, whilst the scaffolding has been finalised, the new timber frame extension has been progressing and is now at roof height in readiness for the outer masonry skin.

Now with the structural work elements progressing we are looking forward to a busy and challenging month ahead.

8 April 2010

Contractor's Update

Demolition works are progressing well with only a few areas of internal walls still to be removed. The ground floor steel work has commenced which once complete will allow the first floor works to proceed.

Externally the scaffolding is almost complete which allows us our first views of the impressively large roof and to what extent of works will be required to ensure a comprehensive finish to outside walls.

Works will be commencing imminently to the new rear extension which will incorporates the new first floor toilets.

As with all refurbishments there are challenging discoveries throughout the build process that are making this an enjoyable and interesting construction job to undertake.