As Heather’s earlier posting pointed out, EL has now closed for the summer to allow refurbishments to take place. Although we are technically (and legally) able to be in the building at this time, the EL team may de-camp should working conditions become too uncomfortable, i.e. noisy, dusty etc. For the moment, we are at work and contactable as per normal.

However, I attended the pre-contract meeting with Fletchers, Facilities Management and Donovan Connolly from Courtney Architects on Thursday 12th where it was announced that building consent for this project had not yet been issued. It is not possible to say when consent will be granted but suffice to say I don’t expect to see any building work commence this week. EL will remain closed to the public in the meantime, but staff will be in the building and will be contactable via phone or email. CUEN will be able to supply interloans as per normal for now, but we will review that situation later in the week.

Today we have Greg Hornsby from Mansfield Merchandising in the building to dismantle all the empty stack on Level 2 and erect temporary stack on Level 1. We will then move all the remaining print journals from Level 2 to Level 1 (with the help of some casual assistants). ICTS staff are in the building today and tomorrow to remove all the computers from the Cave. Facilities will also be removing all the furniture from Levels 2 and 3 which, along with the dismantling of all stack on Level 2, ensures that this level is completely cleared for the contractors to (eventually) start work.

Dawn