Mainzeal, National Library’s building contractor, is currently onsite working through the three-part programme of works including:
- Part 1: Basement, lower ground (part), level 2, external works including a new roof and upgraded podium
- Part 2: Level 1
- Part 3: Lower ground (part), ground and level 3
Work is taking place throughout the building, inside and out.
External
Replacing the leaky roof, upgrading the podium surface (the concrete area around the building) and cleaning the façade of the building.
Internal
Upgrading and replacing ageing plant and systems throughout the building including fire protection systems, security upgrade and electrics, new ducting for air conditioning and expanding collection storage space, with the following improvements being made at floor level.
Basement - improved controlled storage environments and shelving for collections housed in this space and a brand new controlled atmosphere room for the film negative collection.
Lower ground – two new purpose-built controlled atmosphere rooms; improvements to the Property Services, Security and Conservation areas, as well as an upgraded sound preservation studio.
Ground floor – new gallery, main hall and meeting rooms for public programmes.
Level 1 – new reading rooms, small gallery and workroom for staff providing services for customers.
Level 2 – a new controlled atmosphere room and upgrade to the one already on this floor; upgraded audio visual studios.
Level 3 – refurbished staff floor space and new staff kitchen.
Action shots
External podium: Hording construction (February 2011)
Main Plant room (February 2011)
Lower ground floor (February 2011)
Lower ground floor: Ceiling panels in the new collection storage (March 2011)
Level 2: New ducting installed (March 2011)
Level 2: New controlled storage room (March 2011)
