Whittle Laboratory topping out

On Tuesday 10^th August, the topping out ceremony for the University of Cambridge’s ‘New Whittle Laboratory’ was held, with key investors, stakeholders, designers and construction workers in attendance. The Topping Out ceremony takes place after completion of the building’s frame and is a ceremonious tradition in construction.

Project Director, Dan Changer, began the ceremony with a speech citing the historical significance of ‘Topping Out’. He noted the practice can be traced to the ancient Scandinavian rite of placing a fir tree at the structure’s peak to signal the start of a celebration and the longevity of the structure’s life. Dan also thanked the University for their trust in SDC and stressed the importance of working collaboratively to understand the operation and bring their vision together.

Director of the Whittle Laboratory, Professor Robert Miller gave a passionate speech on his hopes for the New Whittle Lab to be a space where ideas come to fruition. With aviation set to double in size by 2050, Robert was enthused by the prospect that The New Whittle Lab will be groundbreaking: “creating fast feedback between new science and technology”.

Investor, Peter Bennett, also made an appearance. His Foundation “supports ideas and innovation that deliver far-reaching impact in driving positive change”. He praised the new lab’s “endlessly creative” approach to problem solving. Mr Bennett also expressed his hopes for environmental change, celebrating the project’s mission of significantly reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector. Professor Graham Pullan and Dr Nick Atkins from the Whittle Laboratory also spoke at the event.

The attendees were then invited to sign a plaque to mark the significant moment in the project’s construction.

To end the event, there was a reception with coffee and cakes, as well as a BBQ provided by Chef De La Maison.

The New Whittle Laboratory is set to open in 2026 and the ground-breaking was the first public engagement by King Charles III following the Coronation. The New Whittle Laboratory will be a cornerstone of Cambridge West, a 4 million sq ft innovation district purpose built by the University, and will provide opportunities to advance research, innovation, and sustainability in the aviation industry. The work that happens there will make a substantial contribution to addressing the challenges facing the sector and fostering a more sustainable future.