Work commences on UCD Science Centre
The first phase of the re-development of the Science Centre has commenced in Science Centre South. A planning application has been lodged with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council and contractors will be appointed over the coming months. This project involves the complete refurbishment of the initial phase of Science Centre South which is adjacent to the Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology and it will provide high quality infrastructure for synthetic chemistry.
The chemists are working closely with RKD Architects (Dublin) and Wilson Architects and Lab Planners (Boston) on the detailed design of the facilities which will provide for approximately 50 researchers. The facilities will include laboratories, write-up spaces, shared equipment rooms and a large number of fume extraction hoods, essential for research in synthetic chemistry.
Most of the activity in the existing laboratories has now been relocated to other parts of Science Centre South to allow for the commencement, by mid-September, of the necessary contract enabling works. This will involve the erection of hoarding, the complete removal of the external façade and the decommissioning and strip-out of everything apart from the concrete frame.
Installation of the new façade and laboratory fit-out will commence in January and this programme of works is scheduled for completion in September 2008.
The laboratory plans for this phase are available for viewing in the Science Project Office, which is adjacent to the Science Programme Office in the Science Hub.
The recent announcement of PRTLI funding for UCD Science will support the completion of the remaining elements of Science Centre South. The President, Dr Hugh Brady, has stated that “this timely investment in 4th level and research infrastructure will ultimately contribute to Ireland’s development as a vibrant knowledge society” . The re-development will include provision for funded programmes in Nanoscience, Biopharmaceutical Sciences and Food and Health.
Definition of detailed space requirements associated with the PRTLI programme is on-going and it is expected that redevelopment of the overall Science Centre South Building will be complete by early 2010.
