Rapid progress in constructing a multi-million pound training centre in Barking, aimed at giving young people the skills for a fulfilling career, was celebrated at a traditional topping out ceremony.

Mark Pengelly, managing director of Kier Construction (London), invited Cllr Mick McCarthy, Barking and Dagenham Council's cabinet member for regeneration, to trowel in the final section of the six-storey building, signalling its structural completion in only 25 weeks to the day since ground-breaking.

The high-speed achievement in creating the concrete frame of the new Barking Skills Centre in less than six months was a major talking point as guests from Barking and Dagenham Council and Barking and Dagenham College assembled for the event.

The £10.6 million design & build scheme is firmly on track for hand-over next summer, thanks to good teamwork by the site team led by senior project manager Richard Pyle. The main structure has been created with 400 tonnes of steel reinforcement and 1,700cu m of concrete.


A key feature is the installation of a 23m-long Vierendeel main beam. Acting as a central reinforced concrete 'spine', it is designed to support the upper four floors throughout the entire building, allowing bigger floor areas with uninterrupted space beneath – ideal for practical training activities.

Cathy Walsh, Principal of Barking and Dagenham College, which will be managing the centre on behalf of the council, described the topping out as a key milestone for "a fantastic flagship facility" following so soon after the ground-breaking ceremony in May.

By funding the regeneration of former wasteland in the town centre, the council had shown bold commitment in tough economic times to local young people, and she pledged to give them top quality training to equip them for today's jobs market.

Aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds, the centre will provide a real work environment, offering a range of vocational occupational courses including sustainable construction, ICT, hair & beauty and hospitality & catering. It is also directly linked to Barking Methodist Church next door, which will benefit its work in supporting a wide range of local community groups.

With an overall value of £14 million, the initiative is part funded by the Department of Education.

(CD)