Construction work

Description

The Project is being funded from an overall budget allocation of 5 200 000 GBP funded from various sources including Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund and East Ayrshire Council. The project comprises the essential stonework restoration to the external fabric of the Castle buildings, internal modernisation and re-display of museum collections and exhibition areas. The funding will also support a range of apprenticeship and learning programmes around the stonework restoration and collection conservation aspects of the project. Works will be subject to strict conservation principles. The Project is being funded from an overall budget allocation of 5 200 000 GBP funded from various sources including Historic Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund and East Ayrshire Council. The project comprises the essential stonework restoration to the external fabric of the Castle buildings, internal modernisation and re-display of museum collections and exhibition areas. The funding will also support a range of apprenticeship and learning programmes around the stonework restoration and collection conservation aspects of the project. Works will be subject to strict conservation principles. Scheme design has currently reached the end of RIBA Plan of Work 2013 stage 3, and the project has progressed to Historic Scotland Arch 3 stage. Building warrant, planning permission and listed building consent is the responsibility of the Council and will be in place prior to contract start date. The Works relate to the refurbishment of the existing Keep, Palace, Gatehouse, Covered Walkway, Courtyard and former Laundry found at the rear of the complex. A programme of works of up to 4 years to the noted buildings is envisaged with sectional completion. The external building refurbishment will require the installation of free standing contractor designed scaffolding facilitating a safe working environment limiting the impact of climate. It is anticipated that the existing cement pointing will be removed and reinstated with lime mortar. External works will also include roofing, guttering, rot repairs, drainage, courtyard refurbishment and provision of small sensory garden. Internal refurbishment is required to the noted buildings including mechanical and electrical works with minor asbestos removal. The noted works will include the provision of new display cabinets. An interpretive display scheme is planned outwith this contract but will require access and service provision. Protection and security will be required for retained artefacts within the buildings. The educational and cultural aspect of the project requires the employment of masonry apprentices and public display of construction crafts. Interface will be required with the principal designer and design team including the clerk of works and appointed specialist stone and lime mortar Quality Control assessor.