The ceremony was a key milestone in the creation of a new five-storey space at the Stephen Perse Senior School in Union Lane, Cambridge. Pupils from across the Foundation's six schools witnessed the completion of the highest point of the building, and were invited to sign the top piece of timber before it was hoisted into place.
From September 2017, the new space will provide cutting-edge Sports and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) facilities, plus nine new classrooms in addition to dynamic spaces designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and engagement in learning. As well as enhancing opportunities for pupils across all schools of the Foundation, the completed development will also facilitate our future community engagement strategy.
For budding sports men and women, highlights of the development include Cambridge's first rooftop multi-use games area (MUGA), as well as a Sport England standard four court sports hall. Whilst others will be inspired by new STEM labs designed in collaboration with the National STEM Centre in York, for those with a passion for drama or music, an inventive outdoor stage will offer exciting opportunities to perform in the open air.
Tricia Kelleher, Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation, said: "The 'topping out' ceremony marks an exciting milestone for the Foundation. We are creating dynamic learning spaces that will enable us to deliver our vision for education for years to come. Young people across our Foundation and in our local community will have access to the tools and support they need to fulfil their potential - as we work to inspire the next generation of athletes, scientists and performers."
Robin Dryer, from Chadwick Dryer Clarke, said: "At this landmark point in the build, it is a time to reflect on the past three years of activity and conversation with the Stephen Perse Foundation. It has been extremely rewarding to work with the governors, staff and pupils who have always sought creative solutions to match their aspirations, and with the expert project team guiding this challenging project through to fruition. Looking forward, the construction is already revealing a stimulating sequence of new learning spaces, and the rooftop pitch, a first for Cambridge, and the multi-purpose sports hall will be fantastic new resources for the school and the wider community."
Ben Hayek, of Bidwells Project Management, said: "We are delighted to reach another important milestone in the delivery of this exciting and transformational project for the Foundation. It has been hugely challenging to construct within the operational school environment, and we are always pleased to make sure opportunities such as this ceremony recognise and involve the staff and pupils who have lived with the project for this past year, and will use it for many years to come."
Dennis Cotton, Operations Director for Kier, said: “Kier has long been at the forefront of sustainable construction in East Anglia. As experts in Cross Laminated Timber structures we are very proud to be delivering these innovative new facilities for The Stephen Perse Foundation. We look forward to celebrating, with the Foundation, its students and staff, this important milestone in the project.”
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