Agenda item

A)              Resolution from the Barbican Residential Committee

B)              Moorgate Escalators

There were two items of business the Chairman considered urgent as follows : -

A)              Resolution from the Barbican Residential Committee

In response to the resolution from the Barbican Residential Committee, Members were informed that a report regarding improvements to Beech Street Tunnel would be submitted to the Projects Sub Committee.

B)              Moorgate Escalators

Consideration was given to an urgent report of the City Surveyor relative to the 2 escalators at Moorgate connecting to the Barbican High Walk which failed an Allianz Insurance Inspectors Report on 6 September 2012 due to damaged parts causing a significant safety risk.  As a result, these escalators have had to be taken temporarily out of service and remain so with only a staircase open for use.

Due to their specific design and age of 39 years, there is a lack of available spares and some would need to be specially manufactured. Therefore despite efforts to source spares our maintenance supplier Apex Lifts were not currently in a position to quickly reinstate the service of both escalators in advance of their full replacement by Crossrail.

Members were therefore requested to consider Option 4, the preferred option.

Members supported Option 4, but requested that all those affected by the closures were well informed.  The City Surveyor responded advising that a thorough communications plan would be drawn up.

RESOLVED - That Option 4 (the preferred option) be approved : -

i)                 Single Refurbishment of one escalator to provide an up only escalator service.  Utilise the down escalator to retrieve necessary parts in order to reinstate the up escalator at an estimated cost of £25,000 plus staff costs of £1,500, programme 3-5 weeks.