A special ceremony, dating back thousands of years, took place this week to celebrate a crucial stage in the 4 West building project at the University.
(Media-Newswire.com) - A special ceremony, dating back thousands of years, took place this week to celebrate a crucial stage in the 4 West building project at the University.
The ‘topping out’ of the new multi-million pound 4 West building was performed by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Glynis Breakwell.
The ‘topping out’ celebration is held when the highest point of a new building has been constructed. Traditionally it was a celebration to thank workers for their efforts, to honour their safe working, and to wish safety for those about to complete the construction.
The Romans, after laying the top stone, would often give thanks that no-one was killed during the construction by sacrificing a human being - thrown from the top of the building! Often this person would be one of the builders involved or even the architect.
There were no sacrifices at this event but the Vice-Chancellor did supervise and oversee the completion of the final part of the roof before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
She was joined by members of the University Council, representatives from the main contractor Cowlin, local residents who neighbour the Claverton campus, and other University colleagues including Director of Estates Martyn Whalley.
The new 4 West building is due to open in April 2010 at a cost of over £23m and will provide additional research and teaching space as well as a new Post Graduate Centre.
It replaces the original building which was constructed as part of the Claverton Down campus development in 1967/8. For many years, the building provided a home for research and teaching activities in the areas of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Physics.
The building was a standard local authority adapted design, constructed quickly and cheaply and for many years fulfilled this purpose well. Throughout the 1990s, however, it became increasingly apparent that the building was showing its age, and due to the widespread use of asbestos in its construction it was becoming ever more difficult to manage. In 2003 the decision was taken to demolish the building and replace it.
Martyn Whalley said: “We are delighted with the progress of this major building project which will provide much needed additional academic space on campus.
“The design of the new 4W and the nucleus of the existing project have both been awarded the Building Research Establishment’s Environmental Award Scheme ( BREEAM ) of ‘excellent’ for the design, and we are aiming for a similar high standard with the final building.”
Neil Sherreard, Cowlin Construction Divisional Managing Director, added: “We have an excellent, long standing relationship with the University of Bath and are delighted to be continuing this successful partnership with the delivery of this landmark building. This project, along with the development of the new East Building, adds to our extensive portfolio of further education projects.”
As well as performing the topping out ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor also officially opened the new 4 West café which sits in front of the new building and faces out on to the Parade - the pedestrian walkway that runs through the heart of the campus.
The café has been enjoying roaring trade since it opened its doors at the start of the academic year last month.
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