The University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQEC), part of one of Europe’s most-ambitious regeneration projects, celebrated a major milestone recently with a traditional topping-out ceremony.

Sir Robert McAlpine hosted the event to mark the completion of the structural framework for the university’s cutting-edge academic building, a centrepiece of the largest urban regeneration in the city’s history.

Kerry McCarthy MP, Minister for Climate; Professor Evelyn Welch MBE, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Bristol; Professor Judith Squires, deputy vice-chancellor and provost and senior responsible owner for Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus; Barra Mac Ruairi, chief property officer; and Hector McAlpine, executive partner at Sir Robert McAlpine, were among the 300 guests attending the event who were led to the top floor of the building by a piper at the start of the ceremony.

After a symbolic pouring of a final section of concrete to signify the project’s steady progress, and the traditional exchange of tankards in recognition of a ‘work well done’, an evergreen bough was nailed to the structure as an auspicious symbol of longevity and good fortune.

The new six-storey, 38,350sq m academic building – the first phase of the TQEC development – will become home to 4,600 students and 650 university staff.

An innovation hub

The state-of-the-art 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), who designed the building; structural and services engineers from Buro Happold; and representatives from project management and cost consultant, AECOM, also attended the event.

The teams worked closely with Sir Robert McAlpine throughout the 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.

A particular point of pride for the team has been the development of innovative, low-carbon concrete mix designs in collaboration with Buro Happold and supply chain partner, Toureen.

Making progress

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

This accomplishment highlights the project’s commitment to sustainable construction practices and the future of green building in the region.

Welch said: “After many years in the planning the biggest innovation footprint ever made in our city is a third of the way there.

“It’s great to see how much progress has been made over the last 18 months on site, with the new building really taking shape before our eyes.

“The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will be a major new landmark for Bristol and a real catalyst for innovation, not just for the city and region, but also nationally.

“It is being carefully constructed to meet the needs and nurture the aspirations of our students, staff and partners across the city and the wider region.

“It provides outstanding facilities to build on our collective strengths in research, innovation, learning and societal change.

Driving economic growth

“By attracting top talent, fostering cutting-edge multidisciplinary research, nurturing start-ups and entrepreneurship, and providing opportunities to work with students and develop talent pipelines, we will attract more international partners to Bristol and help to create a thriving ecosystem that drives economic growth to really compete on the global stage.”

McAlpine added: “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.”

A collaborative effort

And Mike Keys, partner at FCBStudios, said: “This project represents a huge collaborative effort to deliver an ambitious vision for the future of our client, the University of Bristol.

“It is a privilege to see our designs come to life with craft and dedication from the whole team and to share in the celebration of this milestone achievement.”

The Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is more than just a physical transformation of the city; it represents a reimagining of Bristol’s future as a global centre for education, business, and innovation.

By fostering partnerships between the university, the Government, local businesses, and the community, TQEC is set to become a dynamic destination for change and economic growth.

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