Chetham’s school topping out in April

Chetham's School of Music said a ceremony to mark its new school and visitor attraction in Manchester reaching its highest point will take place on Thursday 14 April.

Chetham's said during this last month the erection of the structural steel frame, which forms the upper levels of the school, has progressed and the 'lid' of the concert hall is complete.

Chetham's added that it will shortly commence erection of the remainder of the steel which will tier towards the highest point of the new school.

Sir Robert McAlpine was appointed as lead contractor for the first phase of development.

The roof of the Atrium is also taking shape with the steelwork complete and the timber sub-frame has also commenced.

The new Stephenson Bell-designed building will total 100,000 sq ft bounded by Hunts Bank, Walkers Croft and Victoria Station Approach.

Chetham's said the majority of the precast panels to Hunts bank were erected earlier this month and these will be left to fully dry over the coming months before final cleaning, to provide a consistent appearance across the elevation. The precast panels to Walkers Croft will be installed during April.

Chetham's said work on the installation of the lifts will also commence within the building next month.

Chetham's said it plans to reach a milestone in early May with the removal of Tower Crane 1.

The crane has been used to erect the concrete frame, and is still required to install some of the structural steelwork before being dismantled.

Drivers Jonas Deloitte is project managing the building of the new school and Chetham's is being advised throughout the development programme by Michael Oglesby from commercial property developer Bruntwood.