Work to replace the roof at a West Lothian community hub is set to start - after it was revealed the costs of carrying out the work had risen by £100,000.
The £830,000 programme to replace part of the roof at Fauldhouse Partnership Centre is set to begin.
The full replacement of the roof above the sports hall was approved by Council Executive, and is required after inspections found water damage was affecting the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) roof planks.
The project is expected to start in this month and works will be completed in the summer.
The increase in cost is due to a more extensive asbestos removal following detailed specialist surveys undertaken in the last six months and additional structural requirements detailed through design development."
Siporex roof planks- also known as Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) - were first identified in the hall within Fauldhouse Partnership Centre and following an inspection in May 2022, the independent structural engineer found further deterioration of the roof planks in comparison to their previous inspection, six months earlier.
The hall was immediately closed for use with the option of replacing the roof panels approved at council executive on 21 June 2022. This delivers a long-term solution and provides the best outcome, both in terms of health and safety and gives the least disruption to the Partnership Centre.
Siporex was first found in the Lanthorn community Centre in Livingston in April 2021. It has since been found in several other council buildings including Whitburn Community Centre and several primary schools in the county.
West Lothian Council agreed in June 2021 to a study of council premises and the executive also also agreed to "instruct the chief executive to write to the chief executive of COSLA requesting that all councils in Scotland be alerted to the problems as they may be unaware of the difficulties arising from the use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete particularly on grounds of public health and safety."
Development partner Hub South East are delivering the project on behalf of the council, with Hadden Construction appointed as the primary contractor.
Leader of West Lothian Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “I welcome this major investment to make sure Fauldhouse Partnership Centre can continue to serve the local community for many years to come.
“By choosing a full replacement roof over cheaper short-term repairs, we have demonstrated our commitment to ensuring that Fauldhouse will have a hub for the delivery of essential services for the future.
“I look forward to the work being completed and the sports hall re-opening for use by local residents soon.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
