Bournemouth University celebrates ‘topping out’ of new academic building
Bournemouth University has celebrated a significant phase in the construction of a new flagship academic building with a ‘topping out’ ceremony.
Built by Willmott Dixon, the building is to house state-of-the-art academic space that will support BU in realising its academic vision, as well as housing seminar rooms, lecture theatres, PC laboratories and collaboration space for staff and students. The building will also house new catering facilities for the Talbot Campus.
Staff members of the University were joined by local dignitaries, councillors and members of the University’s Board for the official ceremony.
Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said, “This is another significant milestone in the major improvements we are making to our campuses in Poole and Bournemouth. The new building will provide state of the art academic space and along with other facilities, such as our new Student Centre, is part of an investment programme that is transforming the student learning experience at Bournemouth University.”
The £22 million was partially funded through a £5 million Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) STEM Award, awarded for investment into facilities and initiatives to promote advances in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
The new academic building will be open to Bournemouth University staff and students from September 2016.
The ‘topping out’ ceremony marks the stage in construction where the building reaches its highest point, and is historically practiced to ward off evil spirits from a new building.
Neal Stephens Managing Director of Willmott Dixon says, “We are delighted to be working with our Client, Bournemouth University on their new academic building at their Talbot Campus. The scheme offers a blend of education delivery and research, campus catering and professional practice. Our relationship with Bournemouth University has been fused through true collaboration from day one and our team are very proud to be part of this exemplar, landmark project.”
