A topping out ceremony has been held to mark completion of the highest point of a four-storey building, part of a multi-million pound project to transform Bournemouth and Poole College’s campus in Bournemouth.
The new building and refurbishment works will provide a modern teaching environment for courses in media, digital, business, travel, hair, beauty, hospitality, catering and sport.
Due for completion in 2026, new amenities to support the local community include a restaurant and salons while the historic landmark clock tower building at the Lansdowne is undergoing a full heritage restoration.
Guests at the topping out ceremony included members of the college team who signed their names on the steel girders on behalf of the curriculum areas and professional services support departments based at the Bournemouth campus.
Phil Sayles, Principal and Chief Executive of Bournemouth and Poole College, told Bournemouth One: “It’s a fantastic day for the college.
“There’s lots of months of work ahead for our contractor Kier who are absolutely pushing ahead with this building.
“We’re so excited because this is about the future of skills education in Bournemouth.
“It’s going to be a transformational building that’s going to make an amazing difference to the town and the whole area around it for decades to come.”
Matt Wilkes, Senior Project Manager, Kier Construction Southern, said it was an honour to work on such a prestigious development.
He told us: “I’m a local resident so for me, personally, I’m really proud to come by here.
“I’ve got young children so no doubt they’ll pass through this facility at some point.
“It’s really personal and I’m really proud to be involved on behalf of Kier. It’s fantastic.”