Steering Group Update #2
Published: 8 October 2014
Here is an update from the most recent meeting of the University Services Relocation Steering Group. It covers the fit-out of the building, travel and transport and other issues.
Final cost and decisions for Tay House Project
As reported by the Steering Group on 18 September, the response to the tender for the fit out of Tay House had come in significantly over the £700k approved. Services had been asked to come to a consensus on how that might be brought down closer to budget but that had not been possible. A paper was circulated to the Senior Management Group Roundtable (SMGr) on 29 September seeking members views on two proposals. These were 1) keep to the original budget for the fit out works given that an alternative could not be agreed upon and 2) spend additional money, over and above the provision in the lease, on further car parking for the period of the lease. On the fit-out, there was agreement that the budget should remain at £700k with support being expressed for marginal overspend if that could improve the fit out for all of the services moving, enabling them to work more closely together. This is currently being explored. There was support for spending the additional money on car parking. Given the delay in finalising the budget and layout, move dates (which were currently planned for mid-January) would be revised. The Steering Group would discuss these at their next meeting.
Update on Travel and Transport
As you will know, the Steering Group sought preferences for car parking among current permit holders – whether to retain your Gilmorehill permit, transfer to a permit to park near Tay House or give up your Gilmorehill permit altogether. Colleagues have helpfully responded and as a result, negotiations can now commence with car parking providers on costs etc. The Steering Group has agreed that, in addition to the 7 day parking included in the lease, a 5 day car parking solution will be explored with local car park providers. For those working over the weekend spaces at Tay House would be available. The Steering Group still needs to reach a decision on how car parking spaces in and near Tay House will be allocated and Move Leads will be asked to explore what the preferred arrangement is.
A short summary on the Travel and Transport solutions will be pulled together and circulated/placed on the Tay House Website.
Change in Programme Management arrangements and appointment of Programme Support Officer
The Steering Group is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Programme Support Officer, Janette McBride. Janette is the Campus Officer at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and will join the Team at the end of October. Neil Harris will be leaving the University and Martin Munro will now assume the role of Programme Manager. Members thanked Neil for his support and assistance with the Project.
Staff Engagement and Communication Events
As noted above, Service Heads would arrange to meet with their staff in the next week with regards to the Tay House space layout. Workshops are also being planned for each of the Services to explore opportunities for team working and information on these will follow soon. Larger Communication Events for all staff are being proposed between mid-November to mid-December.
The Steering Group will be meeting again on 14 October. If you have any queries in the meantime on any of the above items do please speak with your Service Head or Move Lead.
First published: 8 October 2014