Topping out marked at new passport office in Durham

The developers of Freeman’s Reach in Durham have hosted a ‘Topping Out’ ceremony to mark the completion of the structural work on the new building for Her Majesty’s Passport Office.

Representatives from Her Majesty’s Passport Office joined members of the Carillion Arlington Richardsons Development Partnership to place a ceremonial Yew branch in cement as part of a centuries old tradition to celebrate the progress of the scheme.

Phase two of Freeman’s Reach, which is part of the regeneration of Durham City’s Riverside, is set for completion early next year and contractors, Carillion, are now embarking on the next elements of development including the first stages of the building’s interior and completion of the roofing.

HM Passport Office’s workforce, currently based on the opposite side of the River Wear in Milburngate House, will transfer across to the contemporary and energy-efficient 6,300m² building at Freeman’s Reach during 2016.

Development Director of Carillion Developments Neil McMillan said: “The Passport Office has been an important part of the social and economic fabric of Durham for many years and we are delighted Freeman’s Reach has been chosen as the new location of its North East regional office continuing its important relationship with the city and the region.

“The construction programme is running to schedule and this ‘Topping Out’ ceremony marks the start of the next stage of development, which will be completed early next year.”

The steel-framed project is aiming for a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and Harry Marsh (Engineers) of Sunderland fabricated, supplied and erected 276t of steel for job.