Work to resume on new NUIG medical faculty building

Work stalled on the new ‘Human Biology’ building around 18 months ago due to an “unforeseen and unavoidable delay” in the tendering process for the completion of works.

At the moment, around one-third of the work is complete, and the site is a water-filled excavation surrounded by safety hoarding.

College authorities have sought an Extension of Duration on the life of the planning permission – which is due to expire next February – on the 2.1 acre site adjacent to Áras na Mac Léinn and Arts Science buildings.

According to NUIG, the building will be completed in May or June of 2016.

Work started on the project in August 2012 and ended in March 2013, after one of the contracts was completed.

However, a separate contract – for the superstructure, fit-out, finishing and landscaping – was delayed, and will involve a further 20 months of work.

“There had been an unforeseen and unavoidable delay in the tender and award process which means that if the award contract is made as planned, the resumption of works will take place towards the end of this year.

“While substantial works (36 weeks) have taken place and the project has been commenced, there remains approximately 80 weeks of construction to complete.

“The nature of the project is such that slow, complex excavation, ground works and services diversions were necessary and for the [latest] tender to result in the maximum amount of cost certainty for the university.

“This has been achieved and the university remains committed to completing the project and opening the facility to staff and students at the earliest possible date,” the application reads.

The design will create a new square outside Áras na Mac Léinn and the complex will include medical teaching facilities – including a mortuary and anatomy laboratories – as well as research spaces and offices.

A decision is expected from planners at the end of November.