Construction work to create a brand new £22m mixed-use scheme at Oxford Street has reached a significant milestone this week as developer, Dukelease Properties, joined Wates Construction to celebrate the development's 'topping out'.

Traditionally held to bring luck to a new building when it has reached its upper-most point, the topping out ceremony took place on the site of 61-69 Oxford Street, where completion is expected in 2015.

The event saw Wates Group Chairman, James Wates, present Dukelease Properties with an antique commemorative trowel to mark the occasion and project partners were given the opportunity to view the project’s progress.

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The new 6,000 sq m six-storey scheme comprises three floors of retail space, which is due to become the new flagship London store of Spanish fashion retailer, Zara. The development also includes Category A office space and six residential apartments.

Wates began construction on the project in May 2013 following the demolition of a collection of redundant buildings, including a former 1970s London Dolphinarium.

Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the striking new building incorporates a unitised cladding system façade featuring curved glass. Photovoltaic panelling has also been installed contributing to an expected BREEAM Excellent rating for the retail and commercial space and a Code 3 Code for Sustainable Homes for the residential units.

(CD)