Delegates from Doncaster Council and its development partner, Muse Developments, joined Wates at the event, a pagan tradition historically held to bring luck when the construction of the uppermost point of a new building is complete.
To mark the occasion, Wates presented Deputy Mayor of Doncaster, Patricia Schofield with a customary tree but as a festive twist it was a Christmas tree instead of the yew tree, traditionally given to appease tree-dwelling spirits.
The Christmas tree has now been placed on the 157,500 sq ft office building overlooking the new public square for members of the wider community to enjoy over the festive period.
Mayor of Doncaster, Peter Davies, said: 鈥淚t is very exciting to see the new building taking shape. The new civic offices and the Civic and Cultural Quarter will make a real difference to our town centre. Significant major investment is delivering top-class facilities and quality attractions, which together with other key projects in Doncaster will act as a catalyst for further economic growth. Make no mistake Doncaster is heading in the right direction.鈥
Patricia Schofield, Deputy Mayor of Doncaster, said: 鈥淭he progress made with the new civic offices is quite remarkable. This imposing building and the other elements of the Civic and Cultural Quarter are blossoming and it will not be long now until residents and visitors enjoy quality time and experiences in the new look Waterdale area.鈥
The five-storey civic offices, currently being delivered by Wates, is due for completion in September 2012 and will become the council鈥檚 new headquarters and home to about 1,400 employees. The project will also include a new ground floor one-stop-shop of council services for local residents.
David Price, Business Unit Director of Wates Construction, Yorkshire,
commented: 鈥淲e are delighted to celebrate such a significant milestone and it is important that we acknowledge what has so far been achieved and to punctuate our progress in the delivery of such a significant project. The construction of Doncaster Council鈥檚 new civic offices has become a valuable means to ensuring local projects benefit local people and we are looking forward to 2012, which will see us carry out the final stages of the build process.鈥
Michael Broadhead, the projects director at Muse commented: 鈥淲e are delighted that this is another positive step forward for the first phase of the Civic and Cultural Quarter which is progressing very well including the recent opening of the refurbished Doncaster Civic Quarter Multi-Storey Car Park and the commencement of the New Performance Venue鈥. it really is an exciting time for Doncaster.鈥
Construction on the new civic offices began in November 2010, forming part of Doncaster鈥檚 new Civic and Cultural Quarter (CCQ). The first phase of this regeneration project includes a new performance venue, public square and additional public area, upgraded road networks and a refurbished Civic Quarter Car Park.
The project is being part funded by the European Union, as part of the European Regional Development Fund鈥檚 support for the region鈥檚 economic development through the Yorkshire and Humber ERDF Programme.
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