BELFAST | Ulster University Belfast Campus | Under Construction

hypnotoad24 · Nov 14, 2019

plank007 said:
New library extension with active frontages onto Union and Library Street.

Reading this earlier got me in mind of an old painting of the library. Can we get rid of all the modern crap behind it and complete it like depicted here?

And getting rid of all the modern shite on Royal Avenue next to the library up to BoI and rebuilding as shown.

phillips01 · Nov 14, 2019

Wow I has not seen old photos of that part of Belfast before.

Id imagine the entire back half of the library would have to go in any redevelopment.

The original extension as planned there looks class. Reminds me of Leeds Library. I'd settle for an extension like Birmingham's Library!

With UU's main Library in the area, it will be quite the bookish corner.

hypnotoad24 · Nov 16, 2019

ASTONISHING NEWS!

It's only taken a little over four years but finally some of the exterior is finished and visible!

IMGP2060 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2059 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

belfastuniguy · Nov 17, 2019

Looks promising. I like the dark glazing frames.

hypnotoad24 · Nov 24, 2019

IMGP2063 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

hypnotoad24 · Nov 30, 2019

IMGP2073 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2069 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2067 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2068 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

damianmcr · Nov 30, 2019

That would annoy me the brick not being straight.

hypnotoad24 · Dec 19, 2019

Brickwork progressing, glazing on the ground floors on York Street is now visible too.

IMGP2080 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2081 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2083 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2084 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

Car Park looks almost ready to open, they were laying tarmac around the entrance.

IMGP2085 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2087 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

hypnotoad24 · Jan 19, 2020

Footbridge structure installed over the weekend.

IMGP2107 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

Brickwork progressing on York Lane and Frederick Street.

IMGP2106 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

IMGP2105 by hypnotoad24, on Flickr

Owenc · Jan 19, 2020

Nice to see. When is this finished?

hypnotoad24 · Jan 19, 2020

Owenc said:
Nice to see. When is this finished?

This article on the Irish News claims August 2021; other speculation has gone for 2022.

plank007 · Jan 21, 2020

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1219577153135747076

plank007 · Jan 30, 2020

£100m over the original budget. Absolutely mental. Let's hope it's worth it!!

Ulster University seeks £126m loan for Belfast campus

Ulster University (UU) has requested a loan of £126m from the Department for the Economy (DfE) to complete its Belfast campus.

That is according to evidence given by a senior departmental official to Stormont's Economy Committee.

The NI Audit Office had previously said the final cost was expected to be £100m over the original budget.

UU said ongoing costs for the building were being closely managed and monitored.

According to an audit office report in December, the original business case for the campus put the cost at £254m but it was now expected to cost £363.9m.

Heather Cousins from DfE was questioned about problems with the Belfast campus by MLAs on the committee.

Read full article at - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-51302109

belfastuniguy · Jan 30, 2020

£100m in fairness is hardly surprising given the massive delay with the basement works and the collapse of Lagan.

Wasn’t aware the EIB loan had been revoked due to delays. Makes this loan request all the more essential. The economic input the new campus will deliver is much higher than this loan or build cost.

Not Tall Enough · Jan 30, 2020

Yeah I think the original budget was overly optimistic considering Belfast is built on clay. It was interesting the DUP raised the issue of student fees. The money must be running out as it doesn't look like we can keep up welfare, low tuition fees, no water charges, two education authorities, expensive historical enquiries and low corporation tax (if it ever comes)