Kier has reached a major milestone in the construction of the Continuing Professional Development building for the University of Bedfordshire.

A topping out ceremony, attended by University vice chancellor Bill Rammell and Kier Construction finance director John Davies, marked the roof being completed on the £20m building for postgraduate students, which is due to open in February 2013.

University chaplain Revd Andrew Goodman performed a short blessing in front of some 20 guests, including Prof Carsten Maple, pro vice chancellor for research and enterprise; deputy vice chancellor for resources, Donald Harley; and Kier Construction marketing manager David Coleman.

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Mr Rammell said: "This is an important milestone in the development of our University. The Postgraduate Centre is an exciting project, developing an energising and inspiring building that will further enhance the student experience, which is at the top of all our agendas."

Mr Davies added: "This ceremony is an opportunity to say thank you to the large numbers of people involved in this project – including the design team, architects, engineers and site workers. I’m very pleased with how this development has progressed and we are on schedule to complete the construction on time next February."

The CPD building will have 4,254sq m of space over five storeys.

It will include two Harvard-style lecture theatres, informal learning spaces, quality study areas, a student lounge and cafe. Some 64% of the space will be dedicated to teaching, and the rest to social and support areas.

(CD)