St James Priory

CDM COORDINATORS AND SAFETY CONSULTANTS

HEALTH & SAFETY ASSOCIATES

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St James Priory Bristol

The multi-million pound conservation repair and redevelopment project to the Grade 1 listed Priory Church and Grade 2* listed Church House, was undertaken for the Trustees of St James Priory between October 2009 and July 2011 within the very busy Bristol city centre between the bus /coach station and the Broadmead shopping complex, and in close proximity to existing residential accommodation. The project comprised the erection of sheeted scaffold structures, incorporating temporary roof coverings, to the perimeter of the whole of the priory premises including its tower, vice spire and abutting single and three storey premises, together with a full-height birdcage scaffold internally to the nave and aisles and boarded scaffold to all roof soffits.

The removal of all existing slated roof coverings including asbestos containing materials, EPDM linings, associated lead gutters, valleys, flashings etc was followed by undertaking structural repairs and replacement of existing ‘distressed’ roof timbers, wallplates etc and the renewal of all slated and lead and copper roof coverings etc, incorporating insulation, including remedial/renewal works to rain water goods as necessary.

The masonry buttress to the west elevation was underpinned and careful dismantling and structural repairs to existing upstand and distressed masonry walling to parapets, roof valleys, gable cappings etc was undertaken including insertion of cintec anchors etc. Repairs and pointing to all masonry elevations, together with shelter coating and repairs to leaded light windows was also carried out. Installation of metal walkways upon designated access routes for future maintenance including provision of ‘man-safe’ installations upon flat roof areas.

Following the removal by specialist licensed contractor of asbestos containing materials, demolition of internal masonry walling enabled the formation of new doorway apertures through historic walling of the north aisle, walling to Church House kitchen courtyard area and boundary walling abutting bus station premises. This was followed by the construction of a covered courtyard area and reconfiguring the north aisle into multi-use spaces.

Repairs and reinstatement to distressed and loose lime plasterwork to areas of walling within the church were carried out, the existing paving slabbed areas were uplifted together with opening up boarded areas beneath pews in church to facilitate a new heating system, followed by new screeds and floor finishes throughout, and redecorating all disturbed finishes.

The existing single storey structure abutting the east boundary was re-configured and up-graded to form a new two storey café area and associated facilities. The existing basement plantroom was re-configured and all M & E services were renewed including provision of both radiator and underfloor heating throughout, some of which routed through underfloor vaults, including provision of ventilation services and platform lift.

The existing drainage was upgraded and extended throughout the premises, including excavating for a new stormwater disposal installation on the south side of the church.