The topping out ceremony heralds the completion of the structure for the third and fourth floor extensions to the Mile End Library.
A topping out ceremony is not an opening or completion ceremony, but it is an important milestone in the extension project as it highlights the completion of the green roof for the third and fourth floor extension at Mile End Library.
Senior figures from the University including President and Principal, Professor Colin Bailey, alongside construction partners Hutton’s and Library Services staff gathered on the third floor to conduct the ceremony where Professor Bailey thanked contractors, Hutton Construction Ltd, the architects, and Library Services staff, inviting the University Librarian, Kate Price, to cut the ribbon as part of the celebrations.
Construction work is still ongoing at Mile End Library while the interior and the external cladding are competed. The third and fourth floor extension project is due to open in May 2023 and will provide around 500 additional study spaces across both floors. As part of the works, a green roof, a green wall and solar panels will be installed. The green roof will play a part in insulating the Mile End Library in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way as well as creating a habitat for wildlife and creating opportunities the opportunities to study for various faculties.
Students have already contributed to the extension project by choosing the types of furniture that are going to be placed on the third and fourth floors. The Furniture Survey took place between July and September 2022 and took place online and via a paper survey at the Mile End Library. An example of the type of single seater study pod is available to try out on the ground floor of the Mile End Library.
Over £16 Million has been invested into renovations, starting with the ground floor of the Mile End Library in which was completed in 2021 with the second floor north recently completed in December 2022. Works for the first floor and second floor south will begin later this year as part of the Mile End Library Transformation Project.
You can find out more in person at the Mile End Library at the Transformation Project Information Boards on the ground floor or on the Library Services website.
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