Friday 13th saw the ‘topping out’ of the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City. The ceremony was performed by local MP and Conservative Party Chairman Grant Shapps with Jacqui Bunce, Associate Director of East And North Herts CCG.

The event was hosted by the Main Contractor Balfour Beatty and Assemble Community Partnerships. The LIFTco partner, represented by Barry Jenkins, led a tour of selected areas of the building for invited stakeholders.

Mr Shapps commented on the excellent progress of the project since the ‘ground breaking’ ceremony 12 months ago and was looking forward to the opening of the new hospital in April 2015.

Cladding of the main elevations with glazed ceramic tiles is now in progress as the main superstructure of the building is complete and the distinctive form can be seen. The visitors were also able to see the finalised artwork proposals for the main entrance mural by David Tremlett and window screens by Charlotte Mann.