Update: since the publication of this article, the university has confirmed the Study Zone will re-open this week.
Several locations around the university remain closed due to the discovery of reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC) last semester.
The recently refurbished Study Zone in the Atrium and the top level of the Students’ Union are among the areas still affected.
RAAC is a cheaper alternative material to regular concrete, and was widely used in buildings between the 1950s and 1990s.
It is deemed to be dangerous when it is exposed to moisture, as it can allow water to enter the concrete and cause degradation.
The Health and Safety Executive says that if the concrete has deteriorated, it can “collapse with little or no notice.”
The discovery of RAAC at Stirling came after a nationwide panic over the material, causing the closure of several schools and universities across the country.
Before Christmas, the University announced that remedial work had begun on the Study Zone.
It acknowledged that noise from the construction work may be disruptive to students, but that noise will be minimised.
University response to RAAC
In a statement, a spokesperson for the University of Stirling said: “Following the updated guidance on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) issued earlier this year, the University conducted a full survey of its estate and temporarily restricted access to localised areas of campus.
“Remedial works to affected areas are being prioritised. “The Chaplaincy has recently returned to its normal location, and S corridor has reopened. It is anticipated that the Study Zone will return to full use by spring.
“Work in other areas is ongoing and further updates will be shared when available.”
Other areas of the campus where RAAC has been identified also remain closed.
These areas include the Squash Courts in the Sports Centre, a part of Scran in the Atrium and the 4W corridor in the Cottrell Building.
There is currently no timeframe for reopening these areas.
A Students’ Union spokesperson said: “The Union continue to work closely with the University and whilst this work continues, we do not have a current timeframe for re-opening Studio and the top level of the Union building.
“Just before the winter break, the Union office including the Sabbatical Officers moved to the former security office in Campus Central to ensure we can provide more space to meet with students and assist with them with advice, help with societies, representation and much more.
“We’re looking forward to Venue and Underground re-opening on Monday 22nd January.”
Because the regular route to Venue and Underground is closed, it can be accessed via the outside door next to Starbucks.
Featured Image Credit: Julia Benko
Former News Editor 2023/24 at Brig Newspaper. Former Chief Sub-Editor 2022/23.
MSc International Journalism student at the University of Stirling.
