January 2003
- Following the appointment of Taylor Woodrow as preferred bidders, their final tender is due to be returned at the end of May 2003. The Assembly will then debate the Building to agree a fixed price sum in July 2003.
- The Minister for Finance, Local Government and Communities made a statement to the Assembly on Wednesday 29 January 2003 to provide the Assembly with an update on the progress of the Assembly Building Project. View the statement
- In line with the current programme, tenders were received on 16 December 2002. A detailed evaluation of the tenders is currently being undertaken.
July 2003
- On 24 June 2003 a press release was issued providing an update on progress with the new Assembly Building.
- The Press Release stated that on 1 July 2003 the Assembly would be asked to approve a proposal to enter into a lump sum contract with Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd for the construction of a landmark Assembly Building Debating Chamber. If this proposal were to be approved, the contract for the new National Assembly Debating Chamber as specified would be let at a lump sum cost of £40.997m excluding VAT.
Contract Awarded to Taylor Woodrow Contruction Ltd
- On 1 July 2003 the Assembly debated this proposal and agreed the motion to appoint Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd as the contractor to build the new National Assembly Debating Chamber for a lump sum cost of £40.997m excluding VAT. A signing ceremony took place on 1 July 2003 with the First Minister signing the contract. View the Record of Proceedings and details of the vote.
- On 28 July 2003 Contractors arrived on site to establish their temporary site offices.
- Work will commence on site from August 2003, with initial completion by early summer 2005 and final completion late summer 2005.
August 2003
- The 4th August saw Taylor Woodrow mobilise on site and start the enabling works to complete the excavation of the site. The 14th and 15th August saw more heavy machinery move onto site in readiness to start piling for the remainder of the foundations and the drilling of bore-holes for the earth heat exchanger system.
September 2003
Sub-structure
- The piling for the building foundations was completed towards the end of August and the rigs have now demobilised. The tops of the piles are being exposed and broken down to level progressively working away from Crickhowell House. The pile caps and ground beams are being formed and a large number of the reinforcement cages have been fabricated in readiness. Work will continue on foundations over the next few weeks to release the first area for the concrete frame.
- The base for the tower crane is currently being formed.
- Drilling of the earth heat exchanges is progressing well. A second rig has been brought in and completion is expected within 2 weeks.
Temporary Set Up
- TWC's offices have been installed and are being prepared for occupation. Temporary services are currently being connected.
Super-Structure
- The concrete frame contractor is on site constructing a sample area of the reinforced concrete frame.
October 2003
Site Visits
- The 6th October saw the start of National Construction Week. During this week 2 local schools visited the site and were shown around by members of the Design Team.
Work On Site
- The piling has now been completed. This also includes the surveying of the existing piles.
- The Earth Heat Exchangers have now been installed. The connecting up of the well heads in conjunction with the ground works is currently being formed.
- The Tower Crane was delivered and erected on 24 October.
Site Huts
- The offices on site have now been mobilised and are occupied by Taylor Woodrow.
November 2003
Works Progress
- The Earth Heat Exchangers installation was completed as planned. Work is currently ongoing to connect up the well heads in conjunction with the ground works.
- The piles have been cut down except those in the vicinity of the ramp and haul road. The plantroom area is being dug out and the last few piles exposed in a progressive manner, maintaining access to the works.
- Work on the pile caps ground beams has been progressing well. The drainage blanket and building are also progressing well, with the first area handed over to the frame contractor.
- The frame contractor has mobilised and commenced work on setting out, prefabrication and erection of the tower crane.
Lord Rogers Visit
- On 21 November Lord Rogers visited the National Assembly and met with the Finance Minister and Presiding Officer. Lord Rogers then visited the site and met members of the Design Team.