September has been another productive month at Alma Square, with the structure continuing to rise and activity increasing across a number of different areas of the building.
The Level 3 slab is now nearing completion, with only the final concrete pour in the south western corner remaining. On Level 4, approximately one third of the slab has been poured, while formwork and reinforcement installation are continuing across the remainder of the floor. Work has also moved ahead to Level 5, where formwork has commenced in the north western corner.
An interesting feature now becoming visible within the structure is the opening above the Level 3 swimming pool. The pool sits beneath a large opening through the levels above, which has been designed to allow natural light and sunshine into the pool and surrounding area. The first part of this opening is now taking shape in the Level 4 slab and will become more apparent as the floors above are constructed.
At street level, the brick façade has continued to rise with the structure, with the vertical brick columns now extending up another level. The builder had hoped to commence installation of the infill panels forming the balcony edges along Alma Road during September but didn’t quite get there. This work is now scheduled to commence in October, starting along Alma Road before progressively continuing around the perimeter of the building. Once these panels begin to go in, we expect to see a noticeable change in the appearance of the façade as the balconies start to take on their finished form.
Within the basement, more props have now been removed, providing additional space for the hydraulic, fire and mechanical trades to continue their installations. The blockwork walls for the Western Power substation have also been completed.
The bricklayers have now moved onto the ground floor, where they are constructing the dividing walls for the commercial tenancies.
No days were lost to inclement weather during September, and the builder continues to remain on program.
During October, the focus will be on completing the remaining Level 3 slab, continuing construction of Level 4 and progressing the Level 5 formwork. Brickwork and other façade works will continue around the building, while the hydraulic, fire and mechanical trades will keep moving through the lower levels.
Work will also continue on the ground floor commercial tenancies as the internal layout begins to take shape.
With construction now progressing simultaneously across the structure, façade, services and internal walls, there should be plenty of visible change at Alma Square over the coming month.
