Crumbling Magee wall for repair

Ulster University will carry out repairs to a partly crumbling boundary wall at its listed Magee College campus.

The university has applied for planning permission to carry out the works on the wall on the Strand Road.

According to building surveyor, the Watts Group, which has produced a design statement for the university, parts of the wall are spalling, the mortar is friable in places, and all of this is affecting the performance and aesthetics of the wall.

“The nature of the proposed works is to prevent further deterioration of the existing fabric to the boundary walls,” the group state.

“The existing stonework is noted to be spalling, with the lime mortar pointing noted as friable and missing throughout.

“The poor level of pointing is affecting the performance and aesthetics of the boundary walls,” they continue.

The proposed work will be sympathetic to the Magee campus’ listed status and in keeping with the architectural merits of the site, Watts’ statement adds.