The new Mountbatten Building

The rainy weather has caused some problems in maintaining progress on the Mountbatten site, but Bovis and their concrete frame contractor, Mitchellsons, have battled on and have managed to keep to their schedule. The ground floor (level 1), the first floor (level 2), together with parts of level 3 and the roof of the adjacent CUB (Combined Utilities Building) have all been completed. Work has now begun on the section of the offices on level 3 that project over the footpath on Burgess Road.

Off-site preparations are underway for the manufacture of the specialist moulds required for the concrete staircase. This staircase will be the main feature of the atrium which will house the combined Zepler/Mountbatten reception foyer. Also in hand is the manufacture of the pre-cast wall elements to the CUB that will eventually allow access to major pieces of plant located inside. 

Looking ahead, the external cladding contractor, Lakesmere, will shortly be commencing on site to enclose the ground floor clean rooms complex. Lakesmere will start work on the side facing The Common and work their way around to the south. This will allow IDC Clean Rooms Ltd. to undertake their preliminary works prior to the commencement of the ductwork contractors, Parkers.

The off-site storage facility at Eastleigh is now coming into use and will be receiving components from several sub-contractors in the months to come. These materials will then be moved to the site via dedicated short haul transport on a "just in time" basis thus minimising disruption to the University road system.

Meanwhile, deliveries of steel reinforcement and ready-mixed concrete will continue for a further month or so whilst the main structural elements are completed.

Gas diversion works to the adjacent Zepler building will be undertaken and completed by early August. This will allow separate metering of Zepler, which now has reduced gas consumption following the connection of the University's district heating system. Mountbatten will soon be connected in a similar way. This early connection to Mountbatten is required to assist in the clean room installation process.

The procurement process for the research tools and equipment has now begun and project completion remains on target for next summer.