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New building for London College of Communication reaches highest point in ‘Topping Out’ milestone

A group of individuals in construction attire, specifically wearing blue hard hats and high-visibility safety vests. They are standing on a building construction site. Behind them, there are structural steel beams framing the construction area, and the skyline of London with modern high-rise buildings is visible in the background.
  • Written byPress Office
  • Published date 08 October 2024
A group of individuals in construction attire, specifically wearing blue hard hats and high-visibility safety vests. They are standing on a building construction site. Behind them, there are structural steel beams framing the construction area, and the skyline of London with modern high-rise buildings is visible in the background.
Professor Kene Igweonu (Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of London College of Communication, Professor Karen Stanton (Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UAL), Heather Francis (Chief Operating Officer) with representatives from TfL, Southwark Council, Delancey, Get Living and Multiplex at the Topping Out Ceremony for LCC, 2024, UAL | Photograph: Mitsi Moulson

The future new building for London College of Communication has reached its highest point in a major construction milestone, with special guests attending a ceremony celebrating its “topping out”.

The ceremony took place on the 10th floor of the new building, where guests heard speeches from key project leaders, before receiving a tour of the site. As part of the event LCC also welcomed back alumni Brian Hibbitt, and Bob and Maggie Gordon, who studied at London College of Printing in the late 50s and early 60s.

A group of people gathered around a tabletop display, featuring a small printing press. The group are engaged in discussion, examining printed materials. The scene is set in an industrial indoor space, part of the construction site.
Technicians Andrew Long and Ruth with alumni Bob and Maggie Gordon and Brian Hibbitt at the Topping Out Ceremony for LCC, 2024, UAL | Photograph: Mitsi Moulson

‘Topping Out’ means that the building – which is due to open in September 2027 – has now reached the full height of its construction. The next construction milestone will be when the building is weathertight, which is anticipated to be completed by January 2025. The project is being delivered by Get Living, Delancey and Multiplex in partnership with UAL

Opening in September 2027, this cutting-edge new building will be home to over 5,000 students and over 500 staff – discovering new possibilities in creative communications education.

Having been based in Elephant and Castle since 1962, London College of Communication has a proven track record of bringing educational, cultural, and economic benefits to the local area. With the building’s first two floors due to be open to the public, it will be easier than ever to explore everything the College has to offer.

In addition to future-proofed teaching spaces and technical facilities that combine the heritage with the modern, the building’s common areas and neighbourhoods will enable greater collaboration and community-building between students across courses and disciplines.

Three individuals standing together, all wearing blue hard hats and high-visibility safety vests. They are on the construction site, with the London city skyline in the background
Professor Kene Igweonu (Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of London College of Communication, Professor Karen Stanton (Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UAL) and Councillor Naima Ali the Mayor of Southwark at the Topping Out Ceremony for LCC, 2024, UAL | Photograph: Mitsi Moulson

Professor Karen Stanton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, UAL said: “The new building is a symbol of UAL’s ambition, not only for London College of Communication but for the area and the communities who live here. It is also a symbol of our optimism for London, higher education and the creative industries.  We could not have reached this point without the hard work and passion of teams across the University. Today's celebration marks the culmination of years of their effort.

As we reach the topping out, colleagues at London College of Communication are already planning how the new building will inspire the next generation of creative talent and strengthen our connections with the local community. I would also like to thank our partners, who have all shared our vision for the project."

Speaking at the event, Professor Kene Igweonu, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of London College of Communication, said: 

“From ink and printing presses to Britain’s first course in graphic design. From London College of Printing to London College of Communication - the story of this College is the story of contemporary creative industries flourishing into full bloom. When our new building opens in 2027, it will reaffirm our College’s position at the forefront of the next era in creative communications.”