Richmond upon Thames College tops out

ISG celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the new campus building at Richmond upon Thames College (RuTC) with a topping out ceremony which saw Liberal Democrat leader and MP for Twickenham, Sir Vince Cable, tighten the final bolt on the steel frame. 

Over 100 guests from the college, ISG’s supply chain and its associated partners attended the event to mark the completion of the building’s shell and core, bringing the College’s vision to create a world class centre of excellence closer to realisation.

Steven McGee, managing director of UK Construction South, as well as project partners, Fusion, Atkins and Faithful+Gould, addressed delegates on the day, alongside Gerard Toplass from procurement and management services provider, PAGABO. 

Gerard revealed that the £35 million project has generated more than £53 million of social value in Richmond, including the creation of 10 apprenticeships and 41 new jobs to date.

Steven explained: “A great deal of hard work, creative thinking and collaboration has bought this project to this key milestone. 

“The Richmond Building will act as a beacon for the community, attracting the brightest students in the region, and the best talent in FE teaching, and ISG is already playing its part in this vision.

“We welcome the engagement from our partners, the college and the local community as we continue to create a positive legacy in Richmond for generations to come.”

“Our Level 3 Diploma in Professional Construction Practice (PCP) will be rolled out in conjunction with the college from this September.

CEO and Principal for RuTC, Robin Ghurbhurun, added: “The vision is to create a flagship college that will not only benefit Richmond borough residents but also become a major careers hub and community destination for students and employers.

“Colleges are vital in driving social mobility and providing the skills to boost local and regional economies by providing high quality technical and professional education and training for young people, adults and employers.” 

Sir Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Party leader and MP for Twickenham, said: “This outstanding building will turn this college into place of distinction for vocational and educational training and apprenticeships in the region, and I’m really proud to be associated with the project.

“We have to make sure the further education sector in the UK is properly supported. 

“Post-school education is not just about universities and having a successful further education sector is absolutely critical to the future of the country. 

“I am delighted that the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is hosting such a forward-thinking project and I would like to say well done to everybody who has been involved in bringing it to fruition.”

Following the topping out and site tour Robin was presented with a commemorative spanner to celebrate the event.

The building is due for completion in early 2020.