The “Topping Out” ceremony took place on Wednesday 24 February on the roof of Salisbury 6th Form new modular building.
A Topping Out ceremony is traditionally held when the last part of a building is in place and the building has reached its full height. The S6C building was at full height some weeks ago due to the quick nature of a modular build, and so for us, the topping out was an opportunity to celebrate the progress made through staff, students and governors having a guided tour of the building which ended on the roof of the building. Now that the exterior of the building is nearing completion the work continues on the inside of the offsite modular building in order to complete all of the classrooms and communal spaces ready for teaching to begin from May.
Principal, Simon Firth says, “In creating a new 6th form college for students, the S6C project is a huge opportunity for providing a focal point for the local community as well as creating jobs. We are looking forward to growing even closer links with local residents, businesses and St Martin’s Church now that we have our own building. It is a very exciting time not only for everyone involved in the project, but also for the future of post-16 provision for young people in Salisbury.”
You can watch a timelapse video of the progress made in recent months where you will see the top two floors being added to the steel frame structure and get a better idea of the height at which the Topping Out ceremony will be held. The time lapse video is available here www.s6c.org.uk/new-build
On Friday 12 February, the Student President and Vice President, Emily Bisdee and Robben Sherburne travelled to Belfast with Leanne Tarbard (Health and Social Care Teacher) and Rosie Roberts (Student Services Manager) to visit McAvoys, the building contractors for our building on the new site.
McAvoys explained how they create buildings offsite using a modular construction method and then transport the components onto site to be fitted together – this is how they can ensure a quick build time making sure that we can be on the new site and in our own accommodation this academic year.
Soon, the front of the building will be fully clad and rendered and an S6C logo will take pride of place above the entrance proudly marking the new site.