Project Update

Newsletter Issue 34

This Week on Site

This week, we made excellent progress on site, successfully completing the backfilling of the excavated contaminated land and levelling the entire site area. Reachingthis stage marks a significant milestone for the project and allows us to move confidently into the final close-out activities.

With the major demolition and groundworks now complete, our focus has shifted towards tidying the site and preparing all areas for handover. Over the coming days, we will continue final clean-up works and ensure the site is left safe, secure and ready for the next phase of development.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming week, we will continue clearing and preparing the site for its next phase of development. A key part of these works will be the installation of the permanent hoarding line along the Frederick Street boundary, helping to secure the site and establish a clear perimeter ahead of future construction activities. 

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 33

This Week on Site

This week, we ve made excellent progress on site, successfully removing the area of contaminated land that was previously identified. While this unexpected discovery did impact our programme slightly, we're pleased to confirm that it has now been fully addressed in a safe and controlled manner.

With this work complete, our focus now turns to backfilling the excavation and preparing the site for the next phase of development. We're looking forward to leaving the site clear, level, and ready for main construction to begin.

Looking Ahead

Next week, we'll be entering the very final stages of the project. Ourteam will spend 2-3 days backfilling the previously affected area with clean aggregate, after which we will begin installing the permanent hoarding line to securely enclose the site ahead of the main construction phase.

In parallel, we are progressing the preparation of handover documentation, including the Health & Safety File, which will be issuedto Ulster University as part of the standard project completion and handover process.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.

Ulster University Launches Summer Sport Offer with Flexible £60 Membership

The Ulster University has unveiled a new summer promotion aimed at making fitness more accessible, offering three months of sport and gym access for just £60.

The limited-time “Summer Offer” is open to everyone, not just students or staff, and comes with no contract, giving users the freedom to stay active without long-term commitment. The initiative is designed to encourage more people across the community to engage in health and wellbeing activities during the summer months.

With affordability and flexibility at its core, the offer provides access to Ulster University’s sport facilities, making it an attractive option for those looking to kickstart or maintain their fitness routine.

A university spokesperson highlighted the inclusive nature of the campaign, noting that the offer removes common barriers to entry such as high costs and restrictive memberships.

Interested participants can find out more and sign up via the official website at ulster.ac.uk/sport. Terms and conditions apply.

The Summer Offer is expected to draw strong interest as more people seek convenient and cost-effective ways to stay active.

The Ulster University will host the globally renowned Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) on its Belfast campus from 22nd to the 24th of May, bringing one of the world’s leading literary events to the city.

Originating in Jaipur, JLF has become an international cultural phenomenon, and this year launches its most ambitious project yet: JLF Island of Ireland (22–31 May). Supported by the Government of Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival will travel from Belfast to Dublin, with stops in Armagh and Dundalk.

In a first for the festival, the JLF caravan will cross borders, linking North and South, and Ireland with India. Expect a dynamic, free programme of literature, music, poetry and debate, exploring shared histories, cultural ties, and global challenges.

The line-up includes leading international voices such as William Dalrymple, Caroline Elkins, Roger Cohen, Jeff Goodell, Jeet Thayil and Tishani Doshi, alongside Irish contributors including David McCullagh, Eoin McNamee, Jane Ohlmeyer, Fintan O'Toole and Jan Carson.

Key Dates & Venues

• Ulster University Belfast Campus — 22nd to 24th May

• Market Place Theatre & Robinson Library — 26th to 27th May

• Louth County Library — 28th May

• Trinity College Dublin & St Patrick’s Cathedral — 29th to 31st May

All events are free, offering a rare chance to experience a world-class literary festival across the island.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 32

This Week on Site

This week, we have made good progress in levelling the site using suitable aggregate, helping to create a stable and well-prepared surface for the next phase of works. This is an important step forward as we continue to bring the site closer to completion.

During these activities, a small area of contamination was identified. This section has been safely isolated, and we will begin its careful excavation and removal next week, ensuring all works are carried out in line with environmental and safety standards while minimising disruption to our neighbours.

Looking Ahead

Overthe coming week, we will continue the careful excavation of the identified contaminated area before refilling it with suitable aggregate to bring it in line with the rest of the site. This will ensure a consistent, stable surface across the entire area as we approach the final stages of our works.

Once this is complete, the majority of our activities on site will be finished. We will then move to install the permanent hoarding line, securely enclosing the site and leaving it safe, tidy, and ready for the next phase of development later this year.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 31

This Week on Site

Work on site is progressing well as we continue removing the footpath between Northland House and the Ulster University car park, helping to prepare the areafor the next phase of development. At the same time, our team is carefully breaking out and removing the remaining slabs in the north-eastern section of the rear yard.

We were also pleased to welcome our engineer to site yesterday, who carried out detailed surveys of the final pile locations. This information will be used to produce accurate drawings at the completion of the project, supporting the design of the new development.

Looking Ahead

Work will continue on the footpath between Northland House and the Ulster University car park as we move steadily through the final stages of this phase. Alongside these works, our team will be carrying out a thorough clearance of the site, removing any remaining debris and residue.

This will ensure the area is left clean, safe, and ready for the Principal Contractor, who will take the project forward into its next phase later in 2026. We appreciate your continued patience and support as we bring these works to a close.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.

Project Update

Newsletter Issue 30

This Week on Site

This week, we're pleased to share that the final sections of foundations have now been successfully broken out, including the area adjacent to the Ulster University Frederick Street Car Park. Reaching this milestone marks a significant step forward for the project as we head into the Easter period.

The site will be temporarily closed from 03/04/26 to 07/04/2026, with works resuming shortly after the break.

Looking Ahead

Upon our return on 08/04/2026, we will moveinto the final stages of the project, with the aim of completing all works and vacating the site before the end of April.

Ulster University & B Small Contracts Ltd.