New development on top of world

A landmark development being built on Poole Quay in Dorset has reached a new milestone with a topping out ceremony.

It was held to mark construction work on ‘Vespasian’ – a scheme for 64 luxury apartments and a ground floor commercial unit – reaching its highest point.

Dignitaries signed a wall on the fourth floor at the top of the development to mark the occasion.

Poole-based Fortitudo is developing the project with main contractor Brymor Construction and subcontractor Woodmace Ltd.

Mark Dyer, managing director of 150-strong Brymor Construction, said: “The topping out ceremony marked a key stage in the construction of Vespasian.

“The view from the top was breathtaking and the ceremony was a fitting way to mark the success of the scheme so far.

“Brymor, Fortitudo and Woodmace Ltd have worked closely together to create a high-quality development to breathe new life into this prominent site on Poole Quay.”

VIEW FROM THE TOP: Dignitaries attended a topping out ceremony at the Vespasian development on Poole Quay. The block of 64 apartments is being developed by Fortitudo with main contractor Brymor Construction and contractor Woodmace. Pictured from left are Brymor managing director Mark Dyer, Fortitudo chief executive Richard Carr and Woodmace managing director Joshua Eiles-Clarke

Vespasian – named after the first Roman leader to rule Poole and Dorset – is being developed on a site formerly occupied by the ceramics and tableware manufacturer Poole Pottery.

Richard Carr, chief executive of Fortitudo, said: “It’s been a landmark day.

“Poole Quay is in transition to become a better place once again and Vespasian will bring a lot of extra life with people coming to live here. It’s good for businesses and good for the area.”

Dignitaries’ signatures will remain on the wall when it is incorporated into one of the penthouse apartments at the development.

Joshua Eiles-Clarke, managing director of Poole-based Woodmace Ltd, said: “As a Poole firm it is pleasing to be able to contribute to the development of our home town.

“It is great that we are helping to bring a well-known site back into use once again in one of the area’s most popular destinations.”

Brymor, which is headquartered at Denmead, near Portsmouth with an office in Poole, works in a wide range of sectors.

The £85m turnover company is a collaborative and flexible business with a seamless approach from conception to completion, with the focus on innovative solutions, quality, safety and transparency.

ENDS