The provision of wilkins terrace and lower refectory.

Descriptions

2.1 University College London (UCL) is London’s leading multidisciplinary university, with over 9 000 staff and 25 000 students. Over 140 nationalities are represented among UCL students with overseas students making up nearly a third of the student body. Based in the heart of Bloomsbury, UCL was the first university in England to welcome students of any class, race or religion, and the first to welcome women on equal terms with men.UCLs excellence extends across all academic disciplines; from one of Europes largest and most productive centres for biomedical science interacting with eleven leading London hospitals, to world-renowned centres for architecture (UCL Bartlett) and fine art (UCL Slade School).The university is divided into 10 faculties and a number of central support divisions. Each faculty is divided into departments/divisions providing teaching and research.2.2 The Project — the Wilkins Terrace and Lower Refectory is a project to substantially improve the main catering facilities and an adjacent courtyard, being undertaken by University College London (UCL). Some enabling works will be carried out before the start of the main project works (but in parallel to the tender process). These include:All principal demolition and strip out activities (except where these need to be left until part of the main contract works have been progressed)Construction of a new tunnel across the existing Physics Yard, including diversion of HV and LV services, and any other services necessary to complete this workTemporary relocation of the existing Nitrogen facilityTemporary provision of alternative catering facilities, including catering staff welfare facilities. Note that the temporary kitchens and dining facilities will be directly above the refectory site area.Initial diversion of the concrete fire escape staircase from the upper levels.The project aims to:Reveal the original grand design of the lower refectory dining hall within the context of the Grade I Listed Wilkins Building this is currently concealed by kitchens and plant spacesUse this space to provide an inviting dining area with high quality finishes and servicesConvert part of the existing dining space into a modern servery area providing a range of food offersDemolish the remainder of the existing dining space (refer to note above about all demolition and strip out activities being carried out under the enabling works project prior to the works to which this pre-qualification applies).Construct a terrace at upper ground floor level over the greater part of an existing courtyard. The terrace will have a Portland stone floor, with a new external staircase leading to the refectory at lower ground floor level. The terrace will be supported on columns going down to lower ground floor level, where they in turn will be supported on piled foundations. Vehicular access to service the lower refectory and adjacent buildings is to be re provided. An existing substation at lower ground floor level will need to remain in operation throughoutConstruct and fully fit out a new single storey building below the terrace to house a full range of catering kitchen facilities to provide food for the new refectoryProvide new infrastructure to part of the central campus area, to include new service tunnels, diversion of HV and LV electrical services and other services, new and refurbished plant spaces with new and reused plant. (Refer to note above about the tunnel across the service yard and the associated service diversions, including HV and LV service diversions, being carried out under the enabling works contract period to the contract to which this pre-qualification refers).Construct a new 4th facade on the East side of the new deck, comprising a vertical steel structure supporting both a Portland stone face and reveals and a brick wall behind.Maintain throughout the project numerous fire escapes from existing buildings, including a theatre and various laboratory facilities, adjoining the existing courtyard. (Note, as above, that an initial temporary fire escape staircase will be constructed in place of the existing external fire escape staircase over the Physics Yard, which will be demolished, under the enabling works project to be completed prior to the project to which this pre-qualification refers).