Loughborough University’s New Design Centre ‘Tops Out’
Loughborough University has celebrated the completion of the highest point of its striking new Design Centre by holding a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony.
University dignitaries, including vice chancellor and president Professor Shirley Pearce, joined main contractor Shepherd Construction in fitting the final piece of shuttering on the roof of the building, marking a major milestone in the construction of the new £14.7 million building.
Work on the 7,760m² East Park Design Centre began in March 2010 and is due to complete later this year, providing state-of-the-art facilities for the various design disciplines at the University including the Loughborough Design School and the School of Arts.
The project, designed by Nicholas Burwell Architects, will feature innovative teaching and lecture space, workshops, offices, research space, studios, computer suites, cafe and display area.
Colin Sargeant, Shepherd Construction’s East Division managing director comments: “It is fitting that we are celebrating the completion of the roof as it is one of the most striking external features that will make the Design Centre an iconic feature within the University’s campus.
“We’re now continuing with the internal fit-out of the building as we move into the final stages of construction.”
This will be the third project at Loughborough University for Shepherd Construction, having previously completed work on the swimming pool and the national cricket academy.
“This is an exciting stage in the development of the Design Centre, which, when completed, delivers the first phase of a wider master plan for the East Park area of the campus and will enable us to bring together much of the University’s design-focused activity,” said Andrew Burgess, Director of Facilities Management at Loughborough University.