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High Chelmer Car Park Progress Report

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Home > Parking, Streets & Transport > Car Parking > Chelmsford Car Parks > (1) High Chelmer Short Stay Multi Storey Car Park - CM1 1LU > High Chelmer Car Park Progress Report

High Chelmer Car Park Progress Report

Weekly updates on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

Update 16: 29 November 2011

Welcome to the sixteenth and last issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Last Friday the Council took possession of Level 8. This follows the handover of Level 5 on 18 November and marks the completion of the safety improvements at the car park. From tomorrow (30 November) Level 8 will be open, meaning that the car park will be fully open to the public in the lead up to Christmas.

Final handover dates:

Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 and 4 - Friday 21 October
Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 - Friday 11 November
Level 5 - Friday 18 November
Level 8 - Friday 26 November
Retail Market Monday - 29 August

Main Contract

Fog and damp conditions over the past two weeks hampered progress with the completion of the deck coatings to the last two levels and the final exit ramp. During this period Gunite have had their specialist deck coating team on site seven days a week to ensure that whenever conditions were suitable, deck coatings were applied. The break in the weather last Thursday meant that the last area of Level 8 could be completed. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights all levels (except 8) were pressure washed by Gunite in preparation for the final handover Friday afternoon.

Elsewhere on site the contractor's compound has been removed and the area restored as a public pavement. The last remaining materials and equipment are due to be taken away later this week.

Project progress last week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - Handed over.
Level 4 - Handed over.
Level 5 - Handed over.
Level 6 - Handed over.
Level 7 - Handed over.
Level 8 - Handed over.
Level 9 - Handed over.
Level 10 - Handed over.
Level 11 - Handed over
Level 12 - Handed over.
Level 13 - Handed over.
Retail Market - Works completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors have completed the following programme of works:

Lighting upgrade to level one and all ramps.
Internal redecoration of all staircase towers.
Replacement of landing doors to perimeter staircases
The upgrade of the fire alarm system.

Other work to the electrical distribution boards in the car park is ongoing, but not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is complete.

Customer Care

Traders in Cornhill and Market Square have welcomed the news that the car park is now fully open. Every one is now looking forward to Christmas.

To everyone who has been affected by the works, thank you for bearing with us whilst the works were undertaken. Whilst most of what has been done to give the car park a new lease of life is not visible to users, the deck protective coatings and the redecoration of the walls and soffits has created a much improved car parking experience.

Update 15: 11 November 2011

Welcome to the fifteenth issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

The damp weather conditions over the week ending 6 November meant that final deck coatings could not proceed as programmed which made it necessary to postpone the handover of levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. These levels have now been completed and are being handed back to the Council today.

This will mean that from later today the car park capacity will be about 900 spaces. It is hoped, weather permitting that the final two decks will be completed by the end of next week, in time for the build up to Christmas.

Latest handover dates are:

Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - Friday 11 November
Level 5 Friday - 18 November
Level 8 Friday - 18 November

Already open:

Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 and 4 - Friday 21 October
Retail Market Monday - 29 August

Main Contract

Heavy rain and damp conditions over the past 10 days have severely restricted the times during which humidity levels allow the contractors to apply the deck coatings, but the good news is that all car park decks except 5 and 8 will be open for business this afternoon. Despite the weather conditions Gunite have made good progress on levels 5 and 8 which will hopefully be handed over next week, ahead of the completion target date. The application of deck coatings to the main exit ramp has also been affected by the weather, but this should be completed over the coming week.

Site progress last week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations commenced 30th October.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - Handed over.
Level 4 - Handed over.
Level 5 - Primer coating completed. Final coating 95% complete.
Level 6 - Deck completed.
Level 7 - Deck completed.
Level 8 - deck surface scarified ready for deck coatings.
Level 9 - Deck completed.
Level 10 - Deck completed.
Level 11 - Deck completed
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - Works completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Fire alarm upgrades to the upper decks are being coordinated with Gunite to ensure that the handover programme for all car park levels is achieved and are due to be completed next week. Other work to the electrical distribution boards in the car park is ongoing, but not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is now complete.

Customer Care

Visited all traders in Cornhill and Market Square during the week. All are looking forward to the completion of the contract and the full re opening of the car park.

The next update is due Monday 21 November.

Update 14: 31 October 2011

Welcome to the fourteenth issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

The revised handover dates for those car park levels currently closed to the public remain as published on the 3rd October. The handover dates are:

Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - Friday 4 November
Level 5 - Tuesday 15 November
Level 8 - Tuesday 21 November

Already open:

Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 and 4 - Friday 21 October
Retail Market - Monday 29 August

Main Contract

Good progress was made last week. Works to levels 6, 7, 9 and 10 are well advanced with only the small contractor's compounds on each level to be cleared and completed. Although moisture levels in the mornings and evenings are reducing the periods when the deck coatings can be applied, we are confident that levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 will be handed over by 4 November. We are still on course to fully reopen the car park by 21 November. The redecoration of the main exit ramp commenced on Sunday, this should be completed over the coming week.

Site progress last week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp -handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations commenced 30th October.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - Handed over.
Level 4 - Handed over.
Level 5 - Scarified ready for deck coatings.
Level 6 - White lining completed.
Level 7 - White lining completed.
Level 9 - White lining completed.
Level 10 - White lining completed.
Level 11 - Deck completed
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - Works completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Fire alarm upgrades to the upper decks are being coordinated with Gunite to ensure that the handover programme for all car park levels is achieved. Other work to the electrical distribution boards in the car park is ongoing, but not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is now complete.

Customer Care

Customer visits to traders in Cornhill and Market Square are planned over the coming week.

The next update is due Monday 7 November.

Update 13: 24 October 2011

Welcome to the thirteenth issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to Levels 1 to 10, the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park Levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

The revised handover dates for those car park levels currently closed to the public remain as published on 3 October. The handover dates are:

Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - Friday 4 November
Level 5 - Tuesday 15 November
Level 8 - Tuesday 21 November

Now open:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Level 3 - Tuesday 18 October
Level 4 - Tuesday 18 October

Main Contract

Last week saw the re opening of Level 3 as well as Level 4, which was completed 4 days ahead of the revised programme. The completion of Levels 3 and 4 brings a further 127 car parking bays back into use. The recent good weather has meant that there has been good progress to the remaining levels and we are confident that the car park will be fully open by 21 November. The redecoration of the main exit ramp has now been programmed; this will take place on 30 and 31 October.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations programmed for 30th and 31st October.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - Handed over.
Level 4 - Handed over.
Level 5 - Jet washed ready for deck coatings.
Level 6 - Deck priming 80% complete.
Level 7 - Deck coatings 75% complete.
Level 9 - White lining commenced.
Level 10 - White lining commenced.
Level 11 - Deck completed
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - Works completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is now complete.

Customer Care

Customer visits to traders in Cornhill and Market Square are planned over the coming week.

The next update is due Monday 31 October.

Update 12: 17 October 2011

Welcome to the twelfth issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

The revised handover dates for those car park levels currently closed to the public remain as published on the 3^rd October.

The handover dates are:

Level 3 - Tuesday 18 October
Level 4 - Tuesday 25October
Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - Friday 4 November
Level 5 - Tuesday 15 November
Level 8 - Tuesday 21 November

Already open:

Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) Monday 5 September
Retail Market Monday 29 August.

Main Contract

Following the revisions to the handover programme Gunite have been progressing with the new anti carbonation and waterproofing coatings to levels 3 and 4. Work is progressing well and level 3 is expected to be completed this week. The redecoration of walls and ceilings on all levels is nearing completion with only the main entry and exit ramps to be painted.

The Council will be working closely with Gunite to ensure that this new completion programme is achieved.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp -handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations at end of contract.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - Deck finish coating 90% complete. White lining commenced.
Level 4 - Deck coatings commenced.
Level 7 - Primer applied to parking bays.
Level 9 - Deck finish 90% complete.
Level 10 - Deck finish 90% complete.
Level 11 - Deck completed.
Level 12 - Deck completed.
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - Works completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is now complete.

Customer Care

Customer visits to traders in Cornhill and Market Square are planned over the coming week.

The next update is due Monday 24 October.

Update 11: 10 October 2011

Welcome to the eleventh issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

The revised handover dates for those car park levels currently closed to the public remain as published on the 3rd October. The handover dates are:

Level 3 - Tuesday 18 October
Level 4 - Tuesday 25 October
Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - Friday 4 November
Level 5 - Tuesday 15 November
Level 8 - Tuesday 21 November

Already open:

Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Retail Market - Monday 29 August

Main Contract

The Council will be working closely with Gunite to ensure that this new completion programme is achieved.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations at end of contract.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - Deck finish coating 70% complete.
Level 4 -Waterproofing 100% completed. Deck coating about to commence.
Level 10 - Deck priming underway.
Level 11 - Deck completed
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - Works completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is now complete.

Customer Care

Customer visits to traders in Cornhill and Market Square are planned over the coming week.

The next update is due Monday 17 October.

Update 10: 3 October 2011

Welcome to the tenth issue of the update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

As a result of a precautionary review of the specified deck coatings it has been necessary to revise the handover dates for those car park levels currently closed to the public, the new handover dates are:

Level 3 - Tuesday 18 October
Level 4 - Tuesday 25 October
Level 5 - Tuesday 15 November
Levels 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - Friday 4 November
Level 8 - Tuesday 21 November

Already open:

Levels 1 and 2 (including the Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Retail Market - Monday 29 August

Main Contract

Having recorded low absorption rates of the protective coating to the upper car park decks, the Council has been working closely with the product manufacturer, our main contractor, Gunite and our Consulting Structural Engineers, JP Chick & Partners to identify the cause and any effect this may have on the concrete protection system.

Following detailed analysis and trials on site, the manufacturer has confirmed that the original waterproof coating materials do not need to be varied and that the lower absorbency rate on some levels is acceptable. Works to lay the protective coatings has now recommenced.

Although the application of final coatings has been postponed, work has continued with concrete repairs and the preparation of the remaining car park levels to receive the protective coatings.

As a result of this work, the final completion date has unfortunately been affected. A revised completion programme has been agreed with Gunite, which will hand over all levels except 5 and 8 by 4 November (the previous contract completion date). Level 5 will then follow on 15 November and Level 8 one week later (22 November).

Whilst the effect upon the contract completion date is regrettable, it is important that the repair system provides the additional 10 year life expectancy that the Council was seeking at the beginning of the works.

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, has progressed the concrete repairs during this period and is now in a position to apply the finishing coats to the remaining decks.

The Council will be working closely with Gunite to ensure that this new completion programme is achieved.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp -handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations at end of contract.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - No further work undertaken.
Level 4 - Blastrac completed. Localised repairs to ramps completed.
Level 5 - Blastrac completed. Localised repairs to ramps completed
Level 6 - Blastrac completed. Localised repairs to ramps completed.
Level 7 - Blastrac completed. Localised repairs to ramps completed.
Level 8 - Blastrac completed . Localised repairs to ramps completed.
Level 9 - Blastrac completed. Localised repairs to ramps completed.
Level 10 - Blastrac completed. Localised repairs to ramps completed.
Level 11 - Deck completed.
Level 12 - Deck completed.
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - Repairs and redecoration completed.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Internal redecoration of the staircase towers has now been completed. Fire alarm upgrades to the upper decks are being coordinated with Gunite to ensure that the handover programme for all car park levels is achieved. Other work to the electrical distribution boards in the car park is ongoing, but not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

The redecoration of the market halls is now complete. The temporary pumps have now been removed from the interceptor tanks beneath Lek's Thai Food kiosk and as a gesture of goodwill a deep clean of the unit has been undertaken by a contractor appointed by the Council. The kiosk has now been handed back to the trader.

Customer Care

The Council has continued to liaise with the local valuation office regarding rates rebates for the traders in Cornhill and Market Square and understands that a decision will be made shortly.

The next update is due Monday 10 October.

Update 9: 12 September 2011

Welcome to the ninth issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Handover dates remain as published in update number 3:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

All levels have now been resurveyed by JP Chick's and we are confident that Gunite's revised programme, issued five weeks ago will be achieved. We are working closely with JP Chick's and Gunite's to maintain this programme.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, continue to make good progress with their works. The third key milestone was reached on Monday with the re opening of levels one and two of the car park. Within minutes of the car park re opening the first car drove in. Overall more than 60 cars used the car park on Monday and over the week numbers steadily increased to near capacity (114 spaces).

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - handed over.
Main Exit Ramp - Handed over - final decorations at end of contract.
Level 1 - Handed over.
Level 2 - Handed over.
Level 3 - floor finishes completed.
Level 4 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway.
Level 5 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway.
Level 6 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway.
Level 7 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway. Localised repairs to ramps.
Level 8 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway . Localised repairs to ramps.
Level 9 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway. Localised repairs to ramps.
Level 10 - Blastrac and Ferroguard underway. Localised repairs to ramps.
Level 11 - Deck completed
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 - Deck completed.
Retail Market - South Hall completed. North Hall 80% redecorated.

Gunite's have been operating from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday this week.

During the course of applying the Ferroguard anti carbonation coating to the car park decks localised areas have not absorbed as much product or dried as quickly as they should have. Gunite is working with the product manufacturer and our consultant engineer to establish the cause of the problem. It is hoped that the cause of the problem can be identified and a solution implemented as quickly as possible, but there is a risk that the scheduled handover of levels 3 and 4 on the 23 September will be affected.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Retail Market

Arrangements are being made to complete the redecoration of the north hall next week. In the meantime the Retail Market is trading as normal.

Customer Care

The shop owners in Market Square and Cornhill have welcomed the re opening of car park levels 1 and 2. Many have commented how much quieter it is outside since the Hydro Dem work was completed.

The next update is due Monday 19 September.

Update 8: 6 September

Welcome to the eighth issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Handover dates remain as published in update number 3:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, continue to make good progress with their works. The second key milestone was reached on Tuesday with the re opening of the Retail Market. We are also on programme to re open levels one and two on Monday 5th September.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - white lining completed.
Main Exit Ramp - Hand tool demolition completed.
Level 1 - White lining completed.
Level 2 - White lining completed.
Level 3 - Waterproofing completed.
Level 4 - Waterproof base coat applied.
Level 5 - Waterproof base coat applied.
Level 6 - Waterproof base coat applied.
Level 7 - localised repairs undertaken following Blastrac preparation.
Level 10 - Concrete repairs completed.
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 -Deck completed.
Retail Market - South Hall completed. North Hall 80% redecorated.

Gunite's have been operating 24 hour shifts in the market halls and from 7am to 10pm hours Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings within the car park to ensure programme dates are achieved.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Retail Market

A small area of the ceiling within the north hall was not completed ahead of the re opening of the market. This was due to the failure of a spray pump, but did not delay the programme. The redecoration of the ceiling will be completed out of hours in liaison with Retail Market staff.

CBC staff cleaned the market hall floors and re erected all the stalls by Saturday afternoon enabling traders to re enter from later Saturday afternoon as originally planned. A significant amount of work to the market halls has been carried out over the past week by both CBC and Gunite staff to enable the planned reopening on Tuesday and a spirit of co-operation has been evident throughout and I would like to thank all involved for their efforts.

Customer Care

All shop owners in Market square and Cornhill have been visited this week and given copies of the latest newsletter. Traders have welcomed the return of the Retail Market and are looking forward to the re opening of car park levels 1 and 2.

The next update is due Monday 12 September.

Update 7: 26 August

Welcome to the seventh issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Handover dates remain as published in update number 3:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

All levels have now been resurveyed by JP Chick's and we are confident that Gunite's revised programme, issued four weeks ago will be achieved. We are working closely with JP Chick's and Gunite's to maintain this programme.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, continue to make good progress with their works. A key milestone was reached on Wednesday with the completion of all Hydro Dem work complete. This marks the end of the 'noisy' work on site and means that Cornhill and Market Square will now be much quieter for the remainder of the contract. As previously announced, the Retail Market will be open for normal trading from next Tuesday (30 August). We are also on programme to re open levels one and two on Monday 5 September.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - Ready for white lining.
Main Exit Ramp - Ramp surveyed and ready for hand tool demolition
Level 1 - Ready for white lining next week.
Level 2 - Deck coatings completed.
Level 3 - Repairs completed.
Level 4 - Water jetting completed.
Level 6 - Concrete repairs completed.
Level 8 - Concrete repairs completed.
Level 9 - Concrete repairs completed.
Level 12 - Deck completed
Level 13 -Deck completed.
Retail Market - South Hall redecoration completed. North Hall 80% redecorated. All drains surveyed by CCTV, jetted and cleared of debris from Hydro Dem works.
Deck movement joints - Steelwork painting completed.

Gunite's have been operating 24 hours a day in the market halls this week to ensure that the market re opens on time.

Elsewhere on site work has continued from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings to ensure programme dates are achieved. With the completion of Hydro Dem works the number of operatives on site has reduced to 25.

This is what has been making all the noise - a Hydro Dem worker removing defective concrete using high pressure water. There have been three teams operating this equipment for the last eight weeks.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

The redecoration of internal walls, ceilings and metalwork within the staircase towers is now complete and floor painting is nearing completion. Signage within the stair towers will be completed next week. Fire alarm upgrade works have resumed and the market hall system has been inspected and the alarms re commissioned. Fire alarm upgrades to the upper decks are being coordinated with Gunite to ensure that the handover programme for all car park levels is achieved. All electrical circuits within the market halls have been re inspected and the power has now been switched back on. Other work to the electrical distribution boards in the car park is ongoing, but not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

Gunite have completed the redecoration of the south hall of the Retail Market and will complete the north hall this Saturday morning. CBC staff have re erected the market stalls within the south hall and will have the north hall completed by 5pm on Saturday, when market traders will be able to enter the market halls to restock their stalls and kiosks. Power was restored to the Butcher's kiosk earlier in the week allowing him to prepare for trading from next Tuesday.

Market traders will be given access to the retail market from 5pm this Saturday to prepare for normal trading from next Tuesday, 30 August.

Customer Care

All shop owners in Market Square and Cornhill have been visited this week and given copies of the latest newsletter. Traders welcomed the news that the Hydro Dem work was now complete and are looking forward to the reopening of the Retail Market next Tuesday.

The next update is due Monday 5 September.

Update 6: 19 August 2011

Welcome to the sixth issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10, the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Handover dates remain as published in update number 3:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

All levels have now been resurveyed by JP Chick's and we are confident that Gunite's revised programme, issued three weeks ago will be achieved. We are working closely with JP Chick's and Gunite's to maintain this programme.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, continue to make good progress with their works. Hydro Dem work above the retail market is now complete and CBC contractors will commence works next week in preparation for the re opening of the Retail Market on the 29 August (first trading day being Tuesday 30 August).

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - Blastrac completed. Deck coatings completed.
Level 1 - Blastrac completed. Deck coatings completed.
Level 2 - Blastrac completed. Ready for deck coatings.
Level 4 - Concrete repairs completed. Ready for deck coatings.
Level 5 - Blastrac completed. Ready for deck coatings.
Level 6 - Concrete repairs 80% complete.
Level 8 - Preparation for concrete repairs completed.
Level 9 - Hydro Dem completed.
Level 10 - Surveyed and ready for Hydro Dem.
Level 11 - Asphalt repairs 100% complete.
Level 12 - Snagging completed. White lining completed
Level 13 - Snagging completed. White lining completed.
Retail Market - Concrete repairs completed.
Deck movement joints - Steelwork installation completed.

Gunite's are continuing to work from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings to ensure programme dates are met. There are currently 32 operatives working on site.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

The internal redecoration of staircases is well underway, fire alarm upgrade works are scheduled to resume on 20th August to enable the reopening of the market and levels 1 and 2. Fire alarm upgrades to the upper decks will be coordinated to ensure that the handover programme for all car park levels is achieved. Work to the electrical distribution boards will also resume from this date, but they are not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

Market stalls have been temporarily removed from the south hall and cleaning of the ceilings, walls and floor is underway. All kiosks except Lek's will be cleaned next week. Because of the location of the surface water interceptor chambers below Lek's, this kiosk will have to remain closed for a few more weeks. However, the hoses that currently divert site water from the interceptor tanks, in front of the butcher's kiosk to the foul water mains will be re routed next week. This means that the butcher's will be able to trade from Tuesday 30 August.

Redecoration commences next Tuesday together with electrical testing and reinstatement of power to the market halls. Market traders will be given access to the retail market from 5pm on Saturday 27 August so that they can restock their stalls and kiosks ready for normal trading from Tuesday 30 August.

Customer Care

Traders are looking forward to the reopening of the Retail Market and levels 1 and 2 of the car park.

The next update is due Friday 26 August.

Update 5: 12 August 2011

Welcome to the fifth issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Handover dates remain as published in update number 3:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

All levels have now been resurveyed by JP Chick's and we are confident that Gunite's revised programme, issued two weeks ago, will be achieved. We are working closely with JP Chick's and Gunite's to maintain this programme.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, continue to make good progress with their works. Level 9 Hydro Dem is programmed for next week. This will complete all "wet" works above the Retail Market halls to enable CBC contractors to commence works in preparation for the re opening of the Retail Market on 29 August (first trading day Tuesday 30 August).

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - Decoration completed.
Main Exit Ramp - Awaiting 6 number concrete repairs.
Level 1 - Decoration completed.
Level 2 - Concrete repairs completed. Decoration completed.
Level 3 - Concrete repairs completed.
Level 5 - Hydro Dem completed. Awaiting preparation for repair.
Level 6 - Hydro Dem completed. Awaiting preparation for repair.
Level 7 - Surveyed and marked up for Hydro Dem.
Level 8 - Hydro Dem completed. Awaiting preparation for repair.
Level 9 - Surveyed and marked up for Hydro Dem.
Level 10 - Planing completed.
Level 11 - Asphalt repairs 85% complete.
Level 12 - Asphalt repairs completed. Snagging commenced
Level 13 - Asphalt repairs completed. Snagging commenced

Gunite's are continuing to work from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings to ensure programme dates are met. There are currently 32 operatives working on site.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

The internal redecoration of staircases is now well underway, fire alarm upgrade works are scheduled to resume on 20th August to enable the reopening of the market and levels 1 and 2. Fire alarm upgrades to the upper decks will be coordinated to ensure that the handover programme for all car park levels is achieved. Work to the electrical distribution boards will also resume from this date, but they are not critical to the main contractor's programme.

Retail Market

A detailed programme of works has been agreed and will be undertaken from Saturday 20 August when Gunite completes their concrete repairs to the market hall ceiling. Works to be carried out by CBC staff and contractors include the temporary removal of stalls to permit a deep clean of the walls, ceilings and floors and the redecoration of the market hall ceilings and walls, electrical circuit inspections and any remedial work identified by the inspection.

Customer Care

All shop occupiers in Market Square and Cornhill visited and handed copy of newsletter number 4. Traders are looking forward to the reopening of the Retail Market and levels 1 and 2 of the car park.

The next update is due Friday 19 August.

Update 4: 5 August 2011

Welcome to the fourth issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10, the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Handover dates remain as published last week in update number 3:

Retail Market - Monday 29 August
Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Levels 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

Most of the levels 7, 8 and 9 have now been surveyed and remeasured repair quantities are less than originally allowed for in the contract. This is good news and will help Gunite achieve their revised completion programme that was issued last week. Gunite remain confident that works will continue to meet this programme and JP Chick's and ourselves are working closely with Gunite to help achieve this.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, continue to make good progress with their works. Levels above the Retail Market halls are being prioritised to enable CBC contractors to commence works in preparation for the re opening of the Retail Market on the 29th August.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - Concrete repairs completed. Jet washing completed.
Level 1 - Concrete repairs completed. Decoration 80% complete.
Level 2 - Concrete repairs 80% complete.
Level 3 - Concrete repairs 80% complete. Jet washing 40% complete.
Level 5 - Hydro Dem 80% complete.
Level 6 - Hydro Dem completed.
Level 7 - Concrete planing completed.
Level 8 - Concrete planing completed.
Level 9 - Concrete planing completed.
Level 12 - Asphalt repairs 60% complete
Level 13 - Asphalt repairs 85% complete.

Gunite are continuing to work from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday and Saturday morning.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

The internal redecoration of staircases has now commenced, fire alarm upgrade works are being scheduled to meet the market and level 1 and 2 opening dates. Completion of electrical distribution board upgrades are not critical to the main contractor's programme, they will however, be completed at the earliest opportunity.

Customer Care

All shop occupiers in Market Square and Cornhill were visited and handed copy of newsletter number 3. A good rapport has been developed with the tenants. A number of tenants of Cornhill and Market Square have not yet made an appeal to the District Valuation Office. We will therefore be contacting all the shop occupiers to encourage those that haven't appealed to do so. Indications are that the District Valuer will look at this group in September and, as previously advised; treat them as a priority group.

The next update is due Friday 12 August.

Update 3: 1 August

Welcome to the third issue of the weekly update on the safety improvements being undertaken at High Chelmer Car Park.

The main contract consists of concrete repairs to the levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10, the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Although not all levels have been planed, Gunite have reviewed their programme and are optimistic that the key dates below can be achieved. This is based upon the increased works required to levels 1, 2 and 3, the remeasurement of levels 4, 5 and 6 and a visual inspection of levels 7, 8, 9 & 10. Based upon this latest information the revised handover dates when car park levels will re open to the public are:

Levels 1 & 2 (including Entry & Exit Ramps) - Monday 5 September
Level 3 & 4 - Friday 23 September
Level 5 , 6 & 7 - Friday 14 October
Levels 8, 9 & 10 - Friday 4 November
Levels 11, 12 & 13 - Friday 4 November

By the end of this week, planing of levels 9 and 10 should be complete and we should be able to report with more certainty as to when levels 8 - 13 will reopen.

Gunite's project team are continuing to work closely with ourselves and JP Chick's to minimise any further delay to this revised programme. It should be noted that the asphalt repairs to levels 11 to 13 are scheduled to be completed by 29 August, but their re opening will be determined by the completion of level 10 on 4 November.

Whilst the reopening of levels 1 and 2 is four weeks later than originally programmed, the overall project completion is only two weeks later than the original programme.

The reopening of the Retail Market is now programmed for 29 August, four weeks later than first programmed.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, have executed a substantial amount of work over the past week. Three concrete repair teams are now working on site and have made good progress with the concrete repairs. In addition to these increased resourcing levels, the site is also operating between 7.00am and 10.00pm Monday to Friday.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Main Entry Ramp - Hydro Dem completed. Concrete repairs 90% complete.
Level 1 - Concrete repairs 75% complete.
Level 2 - Concrete repairs 75% complete.
Level 3 - Hydro Dem 80% complete. Concrete repairs 50% complete.
Level 4 - Hydro Dem completed.
Level 5 - Hydro Dem 80% complete.
Level 7 - Concrete planing 50% complete.
Level 13 - Asphalt repairs 80% complete.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Three contracts are in place for:

Fire alarm upgrade works
Electrical distribution board upgrades
Internal redecoration of staircases.

The next update is due Friday 5 August.

Update 2: 25 July

The main project contract consists of concrete repairs to levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps, works generally following the repair procedure set out below.

In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10 the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

Repair programme for car park levels 1 to 10

Concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify actual areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
Snagging the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Handover Programme

Following the planing of levels 1 - 7, it has become evident that a greater number of concrete repairs are required to levels 1, 2 and 3 than previously allowed for in the programme.

Levels 4, 5 and 6 however are in better condition with only 80m2 of concrete repairs on each level required following concrete planing. Gunite's project team are working closely with the Council and JP Chick's to produce a revised programme that will deliver a completed programme of works as soon as is practicably achievable.

It is not possible to ascertain whether this revision will affect the final handover date, but it is now certain that the handover of levels 1 and 2 will be delayed. This will also affect the re-opening of the market, which is now unlikely to be before 29 August, four weeks later than programmed.

Whilst this is very regrettable, there has always been the risk that concrete planing would reveal additional areas requiring repair that could not be foreseen at the start of the work.

Every effort is being made to reduce the impact on the project completion date. Gunite's response to this situation has been commendable, they have increased the amount of plant and equipment on site as well as increasing their workforce, and the site is operating from 7am until 10pm daily. As soon as all levels have been planed we will be in a position to issue a revised handover programme.

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, has managed a substantial amount of work over the past week. Because of the increased areas requiring repair, Gunite has increased the number of Hydro Dem crews from two to three to accelerate this key phase of the work. Additional workers have also been drafted in to accelerate the concrete repair programme.

Site progress this week is as follows:

Level 1 - Concrete repairs 50 per cent complete.

Level 2 - Anodes being placed prior to concrete repairs.

Level 3 - Hydro Dem 65 per cent complete.

Level 4 - Hydro Dem 90 per cent complete.

Level 5 - Concrete planing completed. Repairs marked out.

Level 6 - Concrete Planing completed. Repairs marked out.

Level 7 - Concrete planing 75 per cent complete.

Main Entry Ramp - Concrete repairs completed.

Main Exit Ramp - Concrete planing complete. Repairs marked out.

CBC Appointed Contractors

The Council's contractors continue to liaise with Gunite to ensure that works are properly coordinated and where necessary, in accordance with the revised main contract completion programme.

Three contracts are in place for:

Fire alarm upgrade works
Electrical distribution board upgrades
Internal redecoration of staircases.

The next update is due Monday 1 August.

Update 1: 18 July

The main work consists of concrete repairs to levels 1 to 10 of the car park and their connecting ramps. The work generally follows the repair procedure outlined below. In addition to the concrete repairs to levels 1-10, the asphalt finish to the roof top levels is being repaired to restore a weatherproof finish to the car park.

A number of minor contracts are also being managed by the Council, including internal redecoration of staircases, fire alarm system upgrade and electrical distribution board upgrades.

General repair procedure for car park levels 1 to 10:

concrete surface planed
Survey by JP Chick's to identify areas for repair
Removal of defective concrete using Hydro Dem equipment
Water jetting of soffits, columns and beams
Deck and cruciform repairs using specialist repair mortars
Preparation of repaired concrete deck for deck coatings using Blastrac equipment
Application of deck coatings to stabilise the concrete and prevent further deterioration
Line marking parking bays and marking circulation routes to and from the entrance and exit ramps
checking the work
Handover and re opening of car park deck in accordance with the handover programme.

Anticipated Handover Programme

Levels 1 & 2 - 22 August

Levels 3 & 4 - 5 September

Levels 5 to 7 - 26 September

Levels 8 to 13 - 17 October

Main Contract

Gunite (Eastern) Limited, the main contractor, took possession of the site on Monday 27 June. During the first week they established their site compound, erected site security fencing and signed the footpath diversions around the site. This was completed by Friday 1 July. Site works commenced on Monday 4 July and progress to date is as follows:

Level 1 - concrete planing completed. Hydro Dem completed. Deck repairs start Monday 18 July

Level 2 - concrete planing complete. Hydro Dem completed. Concrete now drying out prior to deck repairs.

Level 3 - concrete planing completed. Hydro Dem is underway.

Level 5 - concrete planing underway. Main Entry Ramp - concrete planing completed. Hydro Dem completed. Concrete now drying out prior to ramp repairs

CBC Appointed Contractors

Cleaning of car park drainage system was completed on Sunday 3 July. Works included CCTV camera survey of down pipes to establish system integrity, unblocking of blocked down pipes, sealing of gulley joints above Market Halls, cleaning of oil and cooking fat interceptor tanks underneath the market hall and jetting of drains to main sewer connection.

Fire alarm upgrade works are substantially complete. Contractor is liaising with Gunite to establish a completion programme in line with phased re opening of car park. The electrical distribution board upgrade is also well underway. Works are being coordinated Gunite.

The Council has placed a contract for the redecoration of internal surfaces of the staircases. This work is being coordinated with Gunite's programme of works to ensure that the phased handover programme is met.

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