Update on the progress of the Passmore Edwards Centre, Newton Abbot

County Councillor Roger Croad has visited the Passmore Edwards Centre in Newton Abbot this week with Councillor Gordon Hook to see how the multimillion pound redevelopment is progressing...

The new extension at the back of the building, which will provide additional library space and a new café is taking shape. The main structure is in place, with the second floor walls to go up, the roof to go on and a new lift to be installed.

Contractors Morgan Sindall, have been working hard remodelling the first and second floors. Over 100 years old, the building has also required some structural adjustments in order to correct a number of unforeseen abnormalities, make it safe, and protect it for the future. This has included carefully inserting new, large sections of steel into its frame on the top two floors to help balance the loadings and prevent the old building from twisting.

Work to transform the ground floor into a modern 21st century library is also underway. The interior layout has been designed to make the area more spacious and flexible, which requires some of the dividing walls to be removed. Temporary internal bracing is required to support the upper floors while this takes place, but due to the age and condition of the building this stage of the redevelopment has experienced unexpected difficulties, specifically the stability of the ground on which the temporary supports need to be built.

Steve Hellier, Project Manager at NPS SW Ltd, the company who deliver the Council's property services, explains:

"Although early tests indicated that the concrete floor on the ground level was of even thickness, a final test revealed that this was not the case across the whole floor. There was therefore a risk that the surface would not be strong enough to support the temporary internal bracing required to bear the upper floors while we make openings in some of the internal walls. Because of this additional excavations have had to be made in order to find a strong, solid surface to build the bracing on."

Councillor Roger Croad said:

"We have a responsibility to work carefully and consider the age and historical significance of this landmark building, which is over 100 years old and Grade II listed.

"It is unfortunate that this additional work has had to be done, but it is vital that we make the right decisions to reduce the risk of more severe problems with the structure occurring in the future. I thank everyone in anticipation of their patience and understanding."

During the redevelopment the library and adult learning centre is temporarily located at Teign House on Kingsteignton Road. The library continues to provide events, activities and computer access. Books are being changed regularly to ensure there is a fresh selection on the shelves, and something for everyone to choose from.

For more information about the redevelopment please visit the project's page on Devon County Council's website at www.devon.gov.uk/newabb