2nd May 2024

1 Broadgate reaches new heights with ‘topping out’ ceremony

The construction of the 1 Broadgate development in the City of London recently reached the completion of the highest point of the structure.

1 Broadgate celebrated this major milestone with a traditional topping out ceremony.

The construction of the 1 Broadgate development in the City of London recently reached the completion of the highest point of the structure. This major milestone was celebrated with a topping out ceremony on Thursday, 25th April 2024, a practice symbolising good fortune and prosperity for the building's future.

Hosted by Sir Robert McAlpine, the topping out gathered key representatives from the Broadgate Joint Venture represented by British Land, supply chain partners and members of the project team, for a programme filled with tradition and celebration.

The ceremony started with a piper leading guests to Level 10 of 1 Broadgate, offering a spectacular view over the City and St Paul’s Cathedral. It then proceeded with the symbolic pouring of concrete to seal the building's structure and the nailing of an evergreen bough, a ritual to ensure the building's enduring success.

Simon Carter, CEO of British Land, David Lockyer, Head of Development at British Land and Pat Kelly, Works Manager at Sir Robert McAlpine, were each presented with an engraved tankard symbolising the craftsmanship, collaboration and dedication of all involved on the project.

1 Broadgate, the fifth scheme that Sir Robert McAlpine is delivering for the Broadgate Joint Venture under the existing framework, is a highly sustainable, landmark 14-storey mixed used building in the City of London, comprising 500,000 sq ft of offices to upper levels with 46,000 sq ft of retail beneath.

Grant Findlay, Executive Managing Director of Buildings, Sir Robert McAlpine, commented: "Today's ceremony is a celebration of the collaboration, dedication and expertise that has gone into reaching this stage of the project. It's an honour to be working alongside British Land to deliver a scheme that will stand as a beacon of architectural excellence. The topping out of 1 Broadgate is a proud moment for everyone at Sir Robert McAlpine. It showcases our commitment to delivering high-quality developments and our ability to overcome the complex challenges that come with such significant urban projects."

To view more photographs from the topping out ceremony, please see visit our Facebook album.

1 Broadgate topping out ceremony

Latest news from Broadgate

  1. IWD with Victoria Inglis

    14 Mar 2025

    A passionate advocate for a more climate-conscious future, Sustainability Apprentice, Victoria Inglis, is proud to be helping make a positive difference on two landmark London projects.

    Read more about
  2. Raptor cranes at 2 Finsbury Avenue

    10 Jan 2025

    Raptor cranes enhance productivity at 2 Finsbury Avenue, British Land’s iconic dual-tower project redefining Broadgate’s skyline.

    Read more about
  3. 2 Finsbury Avenue celebrates bottoming out ceremony

    10 Dec 2024

    Guests gathered at the lowest point of the structure’s foundations, just over 50m below ground.

    Read more about

Latest news

  1. A19 Tees Viaduct project scoops Bridges award

    31 Mar 2025

    The A19 project team wins the Ethos award for excellence in wellbeing, training, and community engagement.

    Read more about
  2. SRM to build new facilities at Tolworth Hospital

    26 Mar 2025

    South West London and St George’s NHS Trust begins the redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital, part of a £1bn investment in mental health care and community integration.

    Read more about
  3. Stamp it Out briefing

    24 Mar 2025

    The Stamp it Out briefing, chaired by our Managing Director of Transport, Vip Gandhi, along with Safer Highways CEO, Kevin Robinson, received a ministerial seal of approval at a special Summit held in London

    Read more about
View all news