University of Liverpool Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Patrick Hackett addresses all the contruction and design teams behind the University’s “single biggest project to date” on the roof of the new Crown Place student accommodation as the topping out ceremony gets underway
Patrick Hackett underlined the immense contribution made by the University’s own in-house construction company, ULCCO and praised all involved for ensuring the £62M project is delivered on time
This innovative approach to developing and constructing student accommodation is now proving so successful that it is expected to be carried through to other planned developments across the University’s city centre campus
The topping out ceremony goes back thousands of years, and begins with a small box of concrete
Wine, oil, corn and salt are added to the concrete, to symbolise wisdom, liberty, prosperity and hospitality. A yew branch is then added to ward off evil spirits
The development forms part of an overall £230M investment in new accommodation. The first phase saw Vine Court, on the corner of Myrtle Street, open in September with 749 en-suite rooms, as well as restaurant and retail outlets. All Crown Place’s 1,259 rooms will also be en-suite, with communal lounges and a focus on sustainable and energy efficient design
The concrete block is then topped off before being incorporated into the completed building
With the ceremony complete, it’s time to celebrate. The University is also investing in its off-campus accommodation, developing new residences at its Greenbank site at Mossley Hill to provide a self-contained student village including catering and sports facilities. The University’s historic 18th Century Greenbank House which was left to the University by the Rathbone family, will also benefit from a £5 million investment
