Topping Out

A few weeks ago I had an invite to a topping out ceremony in Salford. Challenging in our circumstances, but we chatted it through and I decided to give it a go.

The building - now named (Cortland at) Colliers Yard - will at 51storeys be the tallest in Salford when it is completed. An institutional investor will be taking it on and managing the building for rent. The market still seems to be strong although it must dip sometime soon. Those rents don’t come cheap. Elsewhere the city council, against all sorts of government impediments, is promoting really good quality affordable housing. From my time at the City I remember how frustrated the mayor was at all the obstacles to providing affordable housing when it’s desperately needed. His drive is getting results.

I wore a mask getting to the top and getting back down, but as it was extremely well ventilated on top I was comfortable taking it off there. The views were spectacular. I’ve added an example.

A topping out ceremony is really a PR event these days. It involves filling a hole with concrete and evergreen foliage for growth and good luck. The extra gives an idea of what’s involved. Tomorrow the local vicar is coming to bless the building, and bringing his church photography group. All these apartments occupied by younger professionals means he has a growing, and youthfully enthusiastic, congregation.

To meet Bob’s brief, although there are plenty of trees in the blip image, another extra demonstrates pollination in action. We will have tomatoes.,