Topping Out at Langside College

A major milestone in the construction of the new £35million Langside College was marked today at a special ceremony performed by key members of staff from Langside College and Balfour Beatty Construction.

The topping out celebration is held when the external structure has been completed. It is a celebration to thank the workers for their efforts, to honour their safe working and to wish safety for those about to complete the construction.

The Topping Out Ceremony saw Graeme Hyslop, Principal of Langside College 'trowel off' the final area of concrete on the build.

Building industry tradition dictates that the construction workforce is toasted with a 'noggin of ale' for a job well done. However, Health and Safety at Work Legislation has now replaced the alcohol with apple juice!

The state-of-the-art Langside College will be a jewel in the crown for the community of the southside of Glasgow. This new facility boasts 21^st century technology in all classrooms, specialist areas such as Beauty Therapy and Catering. The completion date for this initial phase of building is Summer 2009.

A distinctive Theatre Arts/Conference Centre and new indoor Sports Centre form Phase 2 of the project. The third phase which comprises an outdoor Sports Centre and landscaping of the site will mark the completion of the project in Autumn 2010.

Duncan MacKay, Operations Director for Balfour Beatty Construction, stated that, 'Balfour Beatty Construction is pleased to be associated with the building of the excellent facility at Langside College. This building will assist in developing the high educational standards of the College and promote greater involvement of the local community.'

The Principal of Langside College, Graeme Hyslop commented, 'This building represents the fruits of an excellent partnership formed between Langside College, the Scottish Funding Council and Balfour Beatty Construction. This building will be iconic and will stand out in the local community and that's the key. It will be a wonderful community resource for the southside of Glasgow.'

Visit the New Estates Gallery to view photographs from the ceremony