Scaffolding erected outside Nicolson Street and South College Street student accommodation for a window refurbishment project has raised student concerns about noise, safety, and privacy.
The refurbishment program, according to communications from the Nicolson Street accommodation, involves repainting and decorating windows facing the street.
A site worker added that, in addition to window refurbishment, any further issues identified during the construction process would also be addressed while scaffolding remains up.
The construction program, which began on 20 January, has an expected completion date of 30 April 2025. Work will take place daily from 8:30AM to 5PM, with no weekend work planned.
Nicolson Street accommodation also stated that access to student rooms and property may be requested to facilitate construction.
Consequently, several students have voiced frustrations over the “annoying and loud” construction, with repeated noise complaints cited due to early-morning work.
One student stated: “the banging and drilling wakes me up at 8AM, which isn’t ideal after a possible late-night study session.”
Others have raised safety concerns, with another student sharing that “when walking by, I’ve seen things fall. I’ve also seen people getting stopped and told to wait while they lift something heavy up.”
The student added, “while I know the likelihood of anything falling and injuring someone is small, the possibility is still a bit intimidating.”
In contrast, some students have found themselves impartial to the construction. One student expressed that they “don’t mind the construction,” with their only concern being “accidentally flashing” the construction workers.
Grace, a first-year student at the accommodation, commented that the noise is “kind of just a part of life, and we live on a noisy street anyway.” She added that “one of the guys waved at me through my window as well, which was convivial and funny.”
Image via Ida Middlemiss Frost.