18th June 1998

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A £1/4m stonework restoration project has been completed on the central tower of the main building at Magee College.

It's the first phase of an ongoing £750K restoration programme that will ensure the preservation of AP Gribben's fine Victorian sandstone building for future generations.

The works entailed the removal of all loose and flaking material from the face of the college, which first opened its doors to students in 1865. Repairs in high visibility areas were carried out by cutting out the face of the damaged or eroded sandstone and replacing it with new stone to match the existing. The Scottish quarry from which the original stone came has long since closed, but the contractor were able top sources matching stone from a quarry in Cleveland, Co Durham.

In areas not easily seen or above roof level, repairs were carried out using a tinted epoxy mortar. The entire tower was then repointed using tinted epoxy mortar and finally cleaned using a high pressure hot water wash.

The slated roof was also replaced, using traditional lead flashing and Bangor Blue slates. In addition, a new insulation underlay was fitted, increasing the thermal retention properties of the building.

Professor Fabian Monds, Provost of the Magee College campus said: "This restoration project is very much part of the our continuing attention to the state of the campus. Over the last few years, the community has seen the results of our £20m investment in new University buildings. This project demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the fine architectural heritage of Magee College for future generations.

"The approach we adopt to maintaining the whole estate - buildings, gardens and landscaping reflects in a tangible, visible way our commitment to quality in all our activities. This restoration of fine 19th century stonework is part of an ongoing programme designed to ensure that Magee College remains one of our finest public buildings, and a source of pride both to the University and the city."

Notes to Editors:

The contractors on the restoration project were John Rainey & Sons of Belfast, and the Project Management was carried out on behalf of the University by WH Stephens of Ballymena.


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