Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Structural investigations complete at high school
Structural investigations at Airdrie’s Caldervale High School have now been completed following last year’s discovery of collapse-risk aerated concrete RAAC in an extension at the venue.
The site is one of four buildings in North Lanarkshire where RAAC was identified after 400 homes and premises were surveyed in 2023 following structural engineering safety guidance on issues with the“bubbly”concrete, used between the 1950s and 1990s.
It was also found at Pivot community facility in Moodiesburn, Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre and Ravenswood Primary in Cumbernauld.
The extension at Caldervale High is“not used by pupils or staff”, while Pivot community facility remains closed“for the foreseeable future”.
North Lanarkshire’s website states: “Permanent solutions for the schools and community centre are being designed with a view to works being undertaken in 2024.
“A small amount of RAAC has been identified in an area of the separate extension to the rear of Caldervale High, not used by pupils or staff.
“A further intrusive survey is being carried out to assess the condition – this will not have any impact on school operations [and] a further assessment has already been carried out on the main building which confirms that RAAC is not present.
“Remedial action had previously been carried out at the Pivot community facility; the most recent inspection by external specialists identified there has been potential deterioration of areas of RAAC in the centre, including to the reinforcement steel contained within the RAAC planks.
“We have decided to immediately close the centre to all activity for the foreseeable future on safety grounds; staff will be in touch with groups and people who had bookings to help with alternative provision.”
Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre closed immediately and indefinitely following the RAAC discovery seven months ago – just as Airdrie & Coatbridge Amateur Operatic Society were about to start their final dress rehearsal of twice-postponed production Oklahoma.