The columns for the University of Birmingham’s new Teaching and Learning Building have been completed as part of an event to mark the first phase of construction.
The Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir David Eastwood used a ceremonial plumb bob, alongside Aerospace Engineering student Rumaanah Hoosen and Willmott Dixon Construction West Midlands Operations Director Simon Liversage to formalise the completion of this part of the building.
The state-of-the-art teaching and study space will provide a 500-seater lecture theatre, a 250-seat interactive lecture theatre, 10 seminar rooms and hundreds of areas for student study, be that in groups or independent.
Working in conjunction with students and staff, architects BDP and construction company Willmott Dixon, are ensuring that the facilities are accessible to all, and support the modern learning experience at Birmingham.
Professor Eastwood said: “The Teaching and Learning Building exemplifies our ambition to provide the very best experience for our students. The spaces in which they spend time have a huge impact on their results, and this building will be at the heart of education delivery for decades to come. A resource for all undergraduates and postgraduates, the state-of-the-art areas created as part of this project will make a positive difference to both students and staff.
“Today marks the completion of the main columns of the construction, and I am delighted to be here with you all to celebrate the progress made so far. It is important to also to thank our partners Willmott Dixon and BDP for their dedicated work to date as we look forward to the facility opening in January 2020.”
Student Guild President Reece Roberts said: “The Teaching and Learning Building will be a fantastic facility for students and provides a diverse range of study spaces to suit different individuals. It’s great that we have been involved in the design of the building and continue to be consulted on it as the project progresses.”
Simon Liversage of Willmott Dixon said: “It is fantastic to be marking this special milestone at the Teaching and Learning Building with the team at the University of Birmingham. This building will be a flagship facility for students and staff to enjoy and we look forward to 2020 and seeing the impact it has on those individuals, their work and learning.”
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the University’s student body, alongside teaching staff.
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