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31st May 2016

Works Start On Site For New School Of Biological Sciences

Works have commenced on the Queen’s University former Science Library site which will see the development of the School of Biological Sciences.

This project aims to co-locate and consolidate the School of Biological Sciences.

The site essentially connects three separate ‘character areas’, each of which is at a different level. St Ives Gardens/Sandymount, the highest part of the site, is some 4m above Chlorine Gardens which, is also some 4m higher than Lennoxvale. Addressing these level changes has significantly influenced the layout and overall design as a significant area of the new building is underground.

Further the change in external ground levels, combined with central light wells, is being used to provide light to all floors and to create an airy building whose facades relate to and respect the scale of neighbouring properties.

The building has a gross internal area of approximately 11,000m² over four floors and a basement. It is designed around a central atrium or glazed ‘street’ that acts as the social hub and heart of the School and allows daylight to penetrate deep into the building. A second more private atrium provides a less public focus for research work, whilst echoing the open, airy and light filled environment of the ‘main street’. The undergraduate facilities and labs occupy the bottom floor of the building, with postgraduate and research space located in the upper levels.

In keeping with the University’s commitment to sustainability, the building has been designed to minimize its impact on the environment and to achieve the target of Building Research Establishment Environmental Method (BREEAM) Excellent.

O’Hare & McGovern Ltd has already delivered some 13 projects for Queen’s University.

Eamon O’Hare, Managing Director at OHMG, said that their vision for the project’s delivery is to create a catalyst for environmental, economic and social change that will provide sustainable employment for the long-term unemployed, apprentices, students and local businesses.

Economy Minister, Simon Hamilton, has revealed that a further 50 new civil engineering apprenticeships are to be made available over the construction period.

Apprentices shall attend college on a day release basis, while working for their employer on a full-time basis.