| “Topping out” is a ceremony that dates back to the 5th century when a yew tree branch was placed on the uppermost part of the building to appease tree-dwelling spirits.
These days, the ceremony is usually regarded as just a way of recording the fact the highest point of the building has been completed.
But construction company Ocon, the Opal Property Group and Abertay University, partners in the “Opal 1” student accommodation being built at the Lochee Road/Marketgait roundabout, decided to go back in time.
Representatives of the construction partners placed a yew tree branch, wheat for abundance and oil for liberty and prosperity onto a concrete plinth at the top of the building.
And to update tradition with modern technology, the construction team also added a university memory stick containing a talent show video featuring work from Abertay’s computer arts and animation students, games from the BAFTA-nominated Dare to be Digital teams and a collection of short films showing life at the university in 2010.
A commemorative plaque marked the occasion.
Managing director of Ocon, Clive Williamson, was joined by Gavin Duncan, national operations manager of developer, Opal, Nigel Hawkins, chairman of court of the university and Abertay principal and vice-chancellor Professor Bernard King, to celebrate structural completion of the £19.75 million, 498-bedroom student accommodation scheme.
Professor King said, “This will be a highly-significant addition to our city centre campus in Dundee. I am extremely impressed with Ocon’s progress on the project and the quality of construction. I am sure our students will enjoy living here and I look forward to seeing Opal 1 open its doors in September.”
Mr Williamson added, “We are delighted to be in Dundee for our first scheme north of the border and have been able to bring to bear all our expertise in the student accommodation sector.
“This development sets a high standard for university accommodation and, following the topping out, we’re looking forward to moving forward to the final phase of construction.”
The student flats will significantly enhance student accommodation in the city and are being constructed to “hotel” standards to ensure they can be used as conference accommodation outside term time. |
