Held on 14th October, the event celebrated the completion of the building’s final structural installation, a major step in the refurbishment and extension of the site into a new enterprise centre.
The ceremony brought together representatives from Morgan Sindall, the University of Westminster, design consultants, and students. Richard Dobson, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in London, spoke about the tradition of topping out, honouring the placement of the final structural beam. Speeches were also delivered by Linsey Cole, Director for Business Engagement at the university, and Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President. Attendees then signed the final beams to commemorate the occasion.
-- Advertisement --
The project, procured through the PAGABO framework, involves significant upgrades to the building on Luxborough Street, adjacent to the university's Marylebone Campus. The revamped facility will serve as a hub for student enterprise and career development, featuring creative spaces designed to encourage collaboration with local businesses, event and exhibition spaces, and state-of-the-art training facilities such as a digital studio, podcast studios, and maker space. The ground floor will also house a café open to students and staff.
So far, the project team has completed key phases, including piling, concrete works, demolition, and steel frame installation. The next stages involve completing the façade, roof works, and internal fit-out. The building’s internal space will be expanded from 2,754 to 2,839 square meters, including a new roof terrace and rear lift.
Aligned with Morgan Sindall's Intelligent Solutions approach, sustainability is central to the project. Carbon reduction will be monitored using the company’s CarboniCa tool, and additional green features include bird and bat boxes, photovoltaic panels, and a green roof for the eighth floor.
The Zone 29 building will play a crucial role in fostering student enterprise, providing modern facilities for the university’s School of Architecture and Cities and Westminster Business School, while showcasing the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
