Suncheon’s New City Hall Nears Move-In After Final Inspections

Departments to Relocate in Phases From Mid-October, Wrapping Up by Late November Final Checks Cover Interior Finishes, Electrical, Fire Safety and Telecom Systems

SUNCHEON — The new Suncheon City Hall in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City has entered its final round of quality inspections ahead of a move-in scheduled for mid-October.

The city said on the 22nd that it is concentrating on final checks of building finishes and major facilities ahead of completion of the first phase of construction, to ensure residents and employees can use the building safely and conveniently.

On the 18th, the city carried out a preliminary completion inspection of the new city hall with 57 participants, including relevant departments, the construction management team and the contractor. The inspection covered interior and exterior finishes as well as the operation of major systems, including electrical, mechanical, fire safety and telecommunications equipment, reviewed area by area.

The city plans to address all deficiencies identified during the inspection before formal completion. A preliminary completion inspection is a procedure for checking construction conditions and the operation of facilities in advance of the formal completion inspection.

Based on the results, the city will re-examine whether the required corrections have been carried out and will tighten quality and safety management until completion.

Once the first phase of construction is finished, departments will begin relocating in stages from mid-October. The move-in is expected to be completed by late November. After that, the handover of facilities will begin in earnest to ensure stable operation of the new building.

The city will take over operating and maintenance procedures for major systems, including electrical, telecommunications, fire safety and mechanical equipment, from the contractor. Staff responsible for managing the building will take part directly to systematically learn operating methods, inspection points and maintenance procedures for each system. The handover will proceed in stages through January next year, following test runs and operational stabilization for each facility. The city hall construction project will continue even after the move-in and the completion of the first phase.

Starting in December, the city plans to begin demolishing the current city hall and launch the second phase of construction in earnest, including an underground parking garage and a central park. Because the second phase involves demolishing the existing building while building new infrastructure at the same time, the work is complex and technically demanding.

The city said it will work closely with the contractor and the supervising firm to carry out the follow-up work without disruption while minimizing inconvenience to residents and employees during the move-in period.

The entire city hall construction project is targeted for completion in October next year.

“The new city hall will be a signature public facility that Suncheon residents will use for many years to come,” a Suncheon city official said. “We will thoroughly manage not only the move-in but also the facility handover and the second phase of construction to deliver a city hall that residents can use safely and conveniently.”…Read more by Suncheon – Park Ji-Hun