Just over a week to go! The project starts on 19th December and will follow the sequence below:

Stage 1 - Site set up and preparation - During this stage, which will take a short time, the area in front of the boat bays up to the bollards will be fenced off and made secure. The contractor’s welfare facilities will be set up in the workshop (which is later the place where steelwork will be painted), and the contractor’s equipment and skips will be brought in. We will have some smart covers for the fencing with information about the project and to make sure everything is smart and tidy throughout the construction period.

Stage 2 - Demolition of the present balcony - The planned method for demolition is to support the balcony from the underside with temporary props and a cut will then be made carefully along the length of the balcony where it connects with the building. This will leave the balcony separated from the building but fully supported. The separation of the balcony from the building is the most sensitive part of the demolition process and is planned in order to prevent harm to the fabric of the building from vibration while the component parts of the balcony are demolished. The floor of the present balcony is made of concrete which will need to be broken up and the old rusty steel frame cut into sections and removed from site. This stage is expected to take until the end of January.

Stage 3 - Construction of the new balcony - the columns, steel frame, balustrade, grating, fixing system and timber deck will be brought to site and erected. The steel will be brought to site galvanised and will be painted on site. The construction stage is planned for completion by the end of February and we hope there are not too many unknowns and other events that might cause a significant delay.

A lot of work has been taking place over recent months to ensure so far as possible that everything is ready on time to come to site when it is needed.

On Friday we visited the fabricators in Hailsham to see how the fabrication of the steelwork is progressing and to discuss some of the details - the right type of bolt head, counter sinking some of the bolts, making sure there is a rhythm in the visible elements and connections. As in rowing and sculling, attention to detail is important and the Club is very fortunate to have the expertise of Stuart Forbes, Simon Harris and Alex Fothergill on the project team.

For more information ask Peter Halford or Bill Baker.