A special 'topping out' ceremony was held at Oxford’s Beecroft Building last month, as construction reached its maximum height. When complete, the building will house scientific researchers working on theoretical physics, condensed matter physics, and quantum science and technology.
More than 70 guests gathered to celebrate this important occasion, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson, and Head of the Department of Physics Professor John Wheater. Also in attendance were academics, friends and supporters, and members of the construction and architectural teams.
Professor Richardson said: 'The Beecroft Building has been carefully designed to enable delicate experimentation and robust theoretical discussion to take place within a single centre of excellence.
'The topping out ceremony marks a major milestone in the construction of a building that will provide our world-leading scientists at the Department of Physics with the very best facilities in which to undertake their pioneering research.'
During the ceremony, Adrian Beecroft, a lead benefactor for the project and for whom the building is to be named, joined Professor Richardson and Professor Wheater to fill in the final patch of concrete.
The Beecroft Building will be the Department of Physics' first new major research facility in over 50 years. It is due for completion in early 2018.