The existing parts of the chimney (that run through the first and second floor of Priory House) are supported on a steel cradle. This enables the space to be fully open downstairs. The first part of this cradle is now in place. Massive steel uprights sit on reinforced concrete pads to take all of the weight. The chimney is then built down onto those steel beams and the needles that were in place holding it up are removed. There are then two other steel beams which need to tie into this cradle to support the floors upstairs.
By the middle of next week (about the 23rd March) all of the steel frame should be in place and work can begin to reinstate the floors. The steel beams will be clad with a lightly stained Oak to remain in keeping with the rest of Priory House.