A new multi-use space is taking shape at Outernet London as contractor Skanska celebrated a significant milestone on the redevelopment.

The construction firm held a topping out ceremony on the project, utilising a traditional Scandinavian 'flying of the fir' in which a fir tree was flown over the building by tower crane for good luck.

When complete, the £142 million scheme will include retail, office, hotel and dining facilities, while a public thoroughfare and events space will help make Outernet London a destination space

An Urban Gallery will provide an interactive public space and include four-storey advertising screens.

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Music will be brought back to the forefront of the area following the closure of the iconic Astoria venue. A 2,000-capacity space suitable for music gigs and other events will be created underground, close to the Northern Line escalator box and the eastbound tunnel of the forthcoming Elizabeth Line.

An additional smaller 'Grass Roots' music venue will also be built in the basement underneath a 350-year old Blacksmiths forge known as the 'Smithy'. The entire 'Smithy' building was relocated in its entirety during construction to allow an enlarged basement to be built before being placed back into its original location.

Paul Roberts, Project Director, explained: "The team has worked tirelessly to overcome some significant challenges: the biggest was digging out a major basement close to a Crossrail tunnel, Tottenham Court Road Station escalators and Oxford Street.

"Since the contract began, we have built up a strong relationship with all the stakeholders and worked together to use our collective expertise and knowledge to deliver a complex project, which will bring live music back to a corner of the capital that is known as Tin Pan Alley."

The project is set to be completed at the beginning of 2020.

(CM/MH)