Overview

The University of Galway is undertaking a major new land-mark project to provide a new Library/Learning Commons building on a brownfield site on campus, along with a new Security Building on a separate brownfield site immediately adjacent to the Learning Commons site. The works associated with the new Learning Commons building and the new Security Building include the following:

Learning Commons Building;

· A new building that extends to circa 10,328m2 and ranges in height from 4 to 6 storeys, including 2nr. covered entrance plazas on both the north-east and south-east elevations.

· Ground floor that incorporates a catering area/café, an exhibition space and a Learning Success hub.

· Upper floors contain individual and group study areas, seating areas, book pick-up station, book collection areas, teaching and learning space, office space and auxiliary spaces.

· An external roof-top amenity space is located on the fourth-floor element of the southern elevation. Plant and photovoltaics are included at roof level.

· The development also includes provision of 2nr. disable carparking spaces for the building with an additional 2nr. to support the Sports Centre Building in the vicinity.

· New soft and hard landscaping, including a new external amenity space located in the north-western portion of the site.

· The development includes all associated site engineering works including nature-based drainage proposals and ancillary works.

· An automatic storage retrieval and return system (ASRRS/Bookbot) vault/room.

Security Building;

In addition to delivering the new Learning Commons Building, the project will also deliver a new Security Building on a separate brownfield site immediately adjacent to the Learning Commons building site. The new Security Building consists of the following;

· A total gross floor area of circa 145m² comprising of a waiting area and reception, storage facilities, sitting area, offices, workshop, phone booth, disabled WC and shower area, gender neutral toilet and showers, changing rooms and lockers and plant room.

· Photovoltaic panels on the roof of the new Security Building.

· The development includes the provision of 1nr. sheltered bus stop, the provision of 3nr. Carparking spaces (including EV charging points and 1nr. accessible carparking space).

· The provision of pedestrian footpaths, bicycle parking, site landscaping, services and all associated site development works.