Lord Mayor tops out new building

Latest on the new £20m Social Sciences and Language and Communication Science building.

On a bitterly cold snowy Thursday afternoon, the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Robert Finch, Sheriff Mr Geoffrey Bond and his wife, together with other assembled guests including the vice-chancellor of City University, Professor David Rhind climbed to the top floor for the 'topping out' of the new building.

This £20m building will provide a new home for the School of Social Sciences and for the Department of Language and Communication Science. Developed on the site of the former Connaught Building, it will provide flexible and modern space for more than 1000 students and staff.

After the formal 'topping out' ceremony, in the presence of The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Doreen Scott, the Lord Mayor unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

The Lord Mayor said: "As Chancellor of City University, I advised students at the last graduation ceremony, 'dare to win, dare to challenge'. This building is a vivid example of City University doing exactly that, daring to win, daring to challenge. I wish it every success."

Professor David Rhind, vice-chancellor said: "By the summer of next year, over 1000 students will be thronging through this new building. Social Sciences is a rapidly developing part of the University with very strong departments and research units. Social Sciences will only improve even further in its new home."

Date of Article: 05/02/2004