Gallery of Construction Photographs

The series of photographs showing how the Centre developed between March 2004 and the opening in March 2005.

Weeks 1 - 5 - Following several days heavy rain and some nervous meetings, a crane finally manages to get set up on site to lift the roof beams into place.
Weeks 1-5 - Following several days heavy rain and some nervous meetings, a crane finally manages to get set up on site to lift the roof beams into place.
Weeks 1-5 - Following several days heavy rain and some nervous meetings, a crane finally manages to get set up on site to lift the roof beams into place.
Weeks 1-5 - Work on the Willows Education Peninsula progresses thanks to the help of some (very soggy) volunteers from a Capital One work party.
Weeks 1-5 - The new dipping pond is central to the area with mini-beast trails and bird feeding zones planned.
30 August 2004 - Timber frame 95% complete, now ready to start on the roof panels. Floor panels 75% complete.
3rd September 2004 - End of week 6. Better weather this week and good progress made on the education peninsula with safety fencing nearly completed, removal of brash and the pond filled from the nearby lagoon. Floor sub-base completed on the building and roofing progressing to plan.
17 September 2004 - end of week 8
17 September 2004 - end of week 8
17 September 2004 - end of week 8
17 September 2004 - end of week 8
17 September 2004 - end of week 8
17 September 2004 - end of week 8
17 September 2004 - End of week 8. Roof structure almost complete on one side and maybe soon we'll be watertight!
17 September 2004 - End of week 8. Willows Education Peninsula continues to take shape.
27 September 2004 - Start of week 10. Works continue on the construction of the roof. The central well area has eco-friendly cork insulation.
27 September 2004 - Start of week 10. Works continue on the construction of the roof. The central well area has eco-friendly cork insulation.
27 September 2004 - Start of week 10. Path works nearly complete on the Willows Education Peninsula. This area will now be grassed and planted making it an area rich in mini-beast wildlife.
Week 11 -15 - 7th October 2004
Week 11 -15 - 7th October 2004
Week 11 -15 - 7 October2004 - Roof nearly complete. Photovoltaic cells to be fitted in next 3 weeks. Work now starts on the external walls.
Week 11 -15 - 15 October 2004 - End of week 12. Mayor and Council leader of Broxtowe prepare for the topping out ceremony on 15/10/04.
Week 11 -15 - 15 October 2004 - End of week 12. Familiar view from the Willows Education Peninsula as the pond planting takes shape.
Week 11 -15 - 15 October 2004 - End of week 12. Internal spaces starting to evolve as external and internal walls are constructed well within the allocated time.
Week 11 -15 - 23 October 2004 - End of week 13 of 27. Internal wall partitions 70% complete. External cladding commenced. Electrical 1st fit commenced. Roof 95% complete.
Week 11 -15 - 23 October 2004 - End of week 13 of 27. Internal wall partitions 70% complete. External cladding commenced. Electrical 1st fit commenced. Roof 95% complete.
Week 11 -15 - 23 October 2004 - End of week 13 of 27. Internal wall partitions 70% complete. External cladding commenced. Electrical 1st fit commenced. Roof 95% complete.
Week 11 -15 - 4 November 2004 - End of week 15. Photovoltaic Cells fitted to generate electricity for the building. Even on a relatively overcast autumnal day the array was generating 11 kW of power.
Week 16 - 20 - December 2004
19 November 2004 - End of week 17. Second fix to internal and external walls well underway. Electrical and mechanical 1st fix 80% complete. Building now reported a few weeks behind schedule.
Week 16 - 20 - December 2004 - Pipes ready to be submerged in the Conneries Lagoon as part of the geo-thermal heat exchange system which will heat the entire building.
Week 16 - 20 - December 2004 - Representatives from John Lewis hand cheques to the value of £1250 over to reserve manager Keith Corbett and Attenborough Nature Centre Education & Community Manager, Karen Bennett.
Week 16 - 20 - December 2004 - Children from the Attenborough and Arundel Wildlife Watch groups in a photo call with David Bellamy
Week 21 - 24 - flooring
Week 21 - 24 - Under floor heating pipes installed - and big holes in the ground for the drawbridge structure and moat.
Week 21 - 24 - Huge interest on site with the rare sighting of the Sora. Well over 1000 visitors came to take a look over the first week of the bird on site.
Week 21-24
Week 21 - 24 - Work re-commences on the external habitat works to create reedbeds and marginal areas adjacent to the access ramp.
Week 21 - 24 - Inside - all areas now ready for decoration, final fit out and 2nd fix on electrical and mechanical systems.
Week 21 - 24 - Plastering complete, 95% windows in, door frames ready for fitting.
Week 21 - 24 - Plastering complete, 95% windows in, door frames ready for fitting. Next week - start on earth excavation adjacent to entrance ramp and construction of decked areas surrounding the building
End of week 25 - A bit of a mess around the entrance ramp as the ground level is lowered to allow the moat and reed beds to be formed - whilst internally, the finishing touches are starting.
End of week 25 - Inside the Nature Centre
4th February 2005 - Drawbridge structure and gabion walls now in place ready for the moat to be flooded. New reed beds being planted adjacent to the entrance ramp and along the side of the building.
£14,000 cheque from 7 Nottingham area Rotary Clubs
23rd February 2005 - The hydraulic cylinder which will lift the first drawbridge to be installed in the area since the 1700's (we think) can be seen under the bridge structure.
23rd February 2005 - Only a few days until completion. Only an hour after these pictures were taken the
27th Feb 2005 - A bright winter's day, volunteers clearing the banks under the sides of the building. The moat and newly formed reed beds, now flooded, complete the isolation of the building from the mainland.
Construction 27th Feb 2005
Construction 27th Feb 2005
6th March 2005 - A few days before completion, furnishings arriving, ready for final fit out and clean.
6th March 2005 - A few days before completion, furnishings arriving, ready for final fit out and clean.
6th March 2005 - A few days before completion, furnishings arriving, ready for final fit out and clean.
 
 

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