The new Chippenham Campus of Wiltshire College has reached a significant milestone with a traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony of the £21m state-of-the-art building.
The symbolic event, which dates back to ancient times, traditionally marks the end of the initial construction phase of a building’s frame – and in Chippenham Campus’s case it was conducted in front of dignitaries and suppliers under grey skies atop the three-storey building.
The 9,100 sq m building – which is being developed by construction group Willmott Dixon – will mean a step-change in the provision of further education in North Wiltshire for thousands of students once it opens next autumn.
It is also the biggest further education project of its kind in the UK.
It will boast the latest equipment for vocational study in construction, engineering and motor vehicle maintenance, music, media and art, hair and beauty, sports science and IT.
It will also achieve an ‘excellent’ rating under the BREEAM system which measures a building’s eco-credentials. Among the cutting-edge sustainable features being built-in are 16 pumps that will extract heat from 120ft below ground. These will be the primary heat source for the building, raising its temperature by at least 3 degrees and meaning very little other heating will be needed.
The pumps will also draw warmth out of the building in summer – reducing the need for air-conditioning. PV solar panel arrays will also be installed on the roofs of the building, which is being developed alongside the existing-but-outdated Chippenham College site close to the town’s railway station.
Taking part in the topping-out were Wiltshire College acting principal Amanda Burnside, Chippenham MP Duncan Hames, chair of governors Helen Birchenough and Toby Burton, president of the Chippenham Student Union.
Each was given one of four items to place in the final piece of concrete to be laid on the roof, alongside a yew tree, which will be planted at a later date.
Ms Burnside, who was given wine (denoting fertility and wisdom) to encase in the concrete, said the development would mean “21st century education in a 21st century building” for students.
Mr Hames, who poured in oil (denoting liberty and prosperity), said the building was significant for Chippenham as a town as well as the students.
“It’s going to be a tremendous landmark for the future growth of Chippenham and this gateway site for the town,” he said.
“It sends out a message that this is a town that is serious about providing opportunities for young people.”
He also praised the Skills Funding Agency, which has invested £17.8m into the campus.
Ms Birchenough, who added corn (symbolising growth), said the building was part of a transformation taking place at the college, while Mr Burton, who added salt (denoting purity and hospitality), said the students were very excited about the new building.
* Skills minister Nick Boles visited the campus yesterday to see the building progress and hear about the vocational courses and apprenticeship schemes available through Wiltshire College.
He also met employer using Wiltshire College training for their apprentices, as well as students and apprentices in an interactive engineering workshop.
Pictured, from left: Richard Jones, operations director of Willmott Dixon, Duncan Hames MP, Amanda Burnside, Wiltshire College acting principal, student Toby Burton, and chair of governors Helen Birchenough
