CENTRAL COURTYARD UPGRADE PROJECT
PROJECT UPDATE
Stage 1 works were completed on the 23rd August as programmed.
Stage 2 works were completed at the end of March 2008.
This stage includes replacement of the majority of the existing pavement around the perimeter of the courtyard. Existing paving considered to be in good condition will be cleaned but not replaced. This includes paving in front of the C8A Lincoln building, between C9A and C10A and some of the new asphalt paved areas in front of E7B. Also a wireless external study area is to be located in front of C10A, additional street furniture, an additional pole lighting near E7B and some upgrading of hydraulic services are to be included in this stage.
Access and noise issues are more complex with this stage of works due to paving requiring to be replaced. Hence Stage 2 has been programmed to be constructed during the Christmas break of 2007/2008, in order to minimise disruptions. However as the construction program is very tight it was necessary to allow the contractor to carry out noisy works, such as demolition of the existing paving during normal university hours during December 2007. However for the duration of the rest of the works in order to minimise noise disruptions all demolition has been programmed to be undertaken during the University's stipulated "out of hours" times. Also no work of any nature will be undertaken during exam periods, graduation, Open days such as Pathways day or public holidays.
For further information regarding the project please refer to the following sections.
Click here for a more detailed plan.
BACKGROUND
Over the years numerous problems have become evident in the Central Courtyard. The existing grassed areas continually display extensive wear and as a result large areas of dirt has replaced the once green turf. Also the majority of the existing paving surrounding the trees is in poor condition making it very user "unfriendly". Inadequate drainage and seating, poor lighting, power provisions and access along with the unsightly signage are all issues needing to be addressed.
Together with the increased use of the Central Courtyard for various activities such as Orientation week, graduation ceremonies and performances, along with the expansion of the SAM facilities, wear as a result of new pedestrian desire lines, maturing of the planted gum trees, compaction of soil and major water restrictions, the Central Courtyard has become extremely shabby and is in need of upgrading.
THE CONCEPT
A consultant team including landscape architect, engineers, lighting, aborist, quantity surveyor and access consultants were appointed to prepare a concept for the central courtyard. As part of this concept stage shareholder meetings were arranged with student, staff and department representatives to ensure the various needs and requirements of the University were adequately addressed.
The concept consists of three major components. A large paved plinth to the central "treed" area of the courtyard, new steps and a ramp to the main entry at the south east corner leading from Wally's Walk, and new paving surrounding the plinth.
The plinth will be a low (190mm) rectangular shaped platform encompassing the space originally planted with turf. The new paving on the plinth will be permeable to allow air and moisture to the trees, whilst creating a durable, flexible and low maintenance platform which will ensure the future health of the trees while allowing easy access through the central courtyard. The paving will be a grey "ecolock" type paving, which was used for the forecourt of the Homebush Olympic stadium.
A slightly raised grassed area will be constructed on the plinth in "the clearing", which is a gap in the grid of trees and gains a good level of sunlight. This area will provide a place for passive activities such as sitting, eating and talking.
The main entry will act as the primary access point to the Central Courtyard and also be a place for gathering. A combination of new wide stairs and a ramp are proposed to provide an improved main entry. The finish to the main entry will be the same as the Wally's Walk pedestrian path which is an insitu light coloured concrete paver.
The majority of the existing paving surrounding the plinth will be replaced with new paving. The new paving will be the same as that used for Wally's Walk pedestrian walkway, in order to provide a continuous surface treatment for major pedestrian pathways.
Paving considered to be in good condition, such as the paving in front of the Lincoln Building C8A and area of paving between C9A and C10A SAM building will be cleaned and retained.
Improved lighting, new seating and tables, additional power provisions, a wireless external study area, upgrading of some hydraulic services and a strategy to limit maintenance vehicle access are also included in the design.
STAGING OF WORKS
The project will be staged into two main areas of works:
Stage 1- Plinth and Main entry (April - August 2007) Completed
This first stage would include the construction of the large central paved plinth and the main entry including the stairs and ramp which are the two most important design components of the project.
New lighting will also be installed on the perimeter buildings of the courtyard which will improve lighting to the paving areas around the plinth. Also feature up lighting of 12 selected gum trees located on the plinth will be included as part of stage 1 works.
Additional 3 phase power bollards will be installed at the east and west end of the plinth to provide additional power provisions for events and activities to be held in the courtyard.
Access will be maintained around the central plinth area at all times.
Stage 2 - Surrounding paving (December 07- March 08)
Stage 2 works includes replacing the majority of paving around the central paved plinth area, additional street furniture, an external wireless study area and upgrading of some hydraulic and electrical services.
PROGRAM
| Stage 1 Plinth and Main entry | Completed |
| Construction start on site: | 21st April 2007 (Following end of graduations) |
| Construction period: | 17 Weeks |
| Completion date: | 23rd August 2007 |
| Stage 2 Surrounding paving and Signage. | |
| Construction start on site: | 1 December 2007 |
| Construction period: | 17 Weeks |
| Completion date: | 28th March 2008 |
| Any queries relating to the construction of Stage 2 should be directed to Robert Kelly, Director OFM. Extension 7185 or Mobile 0417 434 478. |