University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQEC) has marked an important milestone – with the structure of the main building now finished.

A topping out ceremony was held at the new six-storey, 38,350 square meter academic building, the first phase of the TQEC development, which will become home to 4,600 students and 650 university staff.

Sir Robert McAlpine hosted the event to mark the completion of the structural framework for the academic building.

The facility will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening connections between the university, businesses and the community, while driving socio-economic growth in Bristol and the wider region.

Architects from Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBStudios), structural and services engineers from Buro Happold, as well as representatives from project management and cost consultant AECOM, key collaborators in the project, attended the event.

These teams worked closely with Sir Robert McAlpine throughout the PCSA (pre-construction Services Agreement) period, providing invaluable support in preconstruction activities and procurement, and have since supported University of Bristol and Sir Robert McAlpine in the construction delivery phase.

The project has seen the development of low-carbon concrete mix designs in collaboration with Buro Happold and supply chain partner Toureen.

These materials have reduced the carbon impact of the project, delivering a CO2 saving of 2,500 tonnes – far exceeding industry average

Hector McAlpine, executive partner at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “our work to date has placed this project in the best possible position to deliver this ground-breaking facility on time, ready to receive the next generation of students.

“In doing so, Temple Quarter has transformed, with this project acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration.

"We are proud to be part of this journey, delivering a legacy through educational programmes, community initiatives and funding, alongside employment opportunities during construction. This aligns with our strong social value objectives”.

Steven Jenkins, director and higher education sector lead at AECOM, said the ceremony marked an “important milestone” for the University of Bristol development as well as the city’s wider regeneration plans.

Claire Smith, partner at Buro Happold, added: “Buro Happold are immensely proud to have contributed to this landmark project.

"It has been a privilege to have worked in such a collaborative team environment to deliver what is already an impressive and impactful building, creating a fitting welcome to the city of Bristol and opening up this area to the East of Temple Meads station.”

The project is expected to be completed in the summer 2026.