Alban Gate – expected construction programme; impact on City Walkway; scheme of protective works
By Sue Cox
Published in Planning and Licensing News
There have been several documents submitted regarding the pending works at Alban Gate, 125-130 London Wall. These include the expected programme of construction, the impact on the use of the City Walkway and the scheme of protective works.
Expected construction programme
By way of reminder, the recently submitted Demolition and Construction Logistics document reports the expected phases of the construction programme. These are:
Expected programme of works
- Start on site Date Sept -2024
- Access scaffolding and hoarding complete Oct-2024
- Demolition Nov-2024
- Bastian High walk Closed (5wks) Nov – Dec 2024
- New Pedestrian Route Jan – 2025
- Reception Structure Feb – May 2025
- Public Realm Works June 2025
- Northern Escalator Works June – July 2025
Practical Completion July 2025
What do the works involve?
The proposed works involve:
- · An extension of the podium level reception into the high-walk of 125 London Wall
- · The removal of the western high-walk retail unit
- · An extension to the public realm and green spaces
- · Enhanced feature and safety lighting to the north and south escalator wells as well high-walk pedestrian lighting
- · Infill structural slab above footpath
- · Refurbishment of the podium stone flooring
Outline of the areas of the City Walkway affected
The developers have also submitted details (planning reference number 24/00929/MDC) of “safe routes across the City Walkway to be provided for the duration of the works…….”.
The City Walkway Phasing Plan provides the full details relating to the proposed construction area designated for the works on the Podium Level of 125 London Wall. These plans outline the areas of the City Walkway that will be affected by the construction works along with estimated durations of impact.
Throughout the construction period, public access will be maintained via Bastian Highwalk for the majority of the works and the north-south link from the Barbican to the southern escalator. We note that “This is an updated phasing plan that has been produced following engagement of the Main Contractor and assessment of construction methodology and construction logistics. The updated phasing plan has been compared to the phasing that has been approved by the City of London for each stage for ease of reference….”
Bastion Highwalk expected to be closed for 5 weeks in Nov/Dec 2024
It can be seen in the programme of expected timings of the phases of the work (as shown above), that the Bastion Highwalk is expected to be closed for c5 weeks in November/December 2024. The detail relating to this is as follows:
2. Phase 1a Podium Slab Infill – Updated Phasing
Scope of Works: Removal of glazed screen between western retail unit and Bastion High Walk. Infill of soffit deck.
Duration: 5 weeks
Impacts on City Walkway: Bastion High Walk route from the former London Museum will be closed for a period of 5 weeks. This is necessary to be able to safely infill the structural slab and removed the glazed screening in between the high walk and the retail unit. Footpath closed signs will be stationed far back along the high walk to give pedestrians early notice and signal alternative routes. Pedestrians will need to utilize the steps from Bastion High Walk in the direction of west to east and descend onto London Wall and progress to the junction of Wood Street. From the podium, pedestrians can make use of either the southern escalator or stairs/lift on the southeast corner of Wood Street. We have looked at all options to keep the walkway open during this phase of works but due to the risk of falls from height and debris impact, means that there are no alternative options to carry out the approved works safely, without a limited closure of the City Walkway.
The full details of the other phases of the associated works can be read in the City Walkway Phasing Plan.
The determination deadline is Tuesday 22nd October 2024 and the Standard Consultation Expiry Date is 24th September 2024.
Anyone who wishes to comment on this document can do so here
Scheme of Protective Works
The proposed Scheme of Protective Works has also been submitted (planning reference number: 24/00931/MDC). This states that: “Collins Construction Ltd have been appointed to carry out the reception extension works at 125 London Wall/High-walk… Our appointment is a combined service for preconstruction services of 12 weeks commencing 17th June 2024. The follow-on demolition and construction phase period will commence immediately afterwards for approx. 40 weeks….
The document is an important part of the planning process and details a scheme for “protecting nearby residents and commercial occupiers from noise, dust and other environmental effects…..” ).
The determination deadline is Wednesday 23rd October 2024 and the Standard Consultation Expiry date is Tuesday 17th September 2024.
Anyone who wishes to comment on this document can do so here
Please can the statue in the window facing Andrewes House be lit?
It doesn’t get the attention it deserves.