Top that!

Hull History Centre hits new high, 6th April 2009

The topping out ceremony marked a key milestone for the Hull History Centre.

The Lord Mayor of Kingston Upon Hull and Admiral of the Humber Councillor Elaine Garland tightened the last bolt to complete the roof structure, and commemorate the 'topping out' of the highest element of the new building.

The Hull History Centre is a project between Hull City Council and the University of Hull. As part of the ceremony, a plaque was unveiled at the construction site in Mason Street in the city centre. There was also a partial tour of the site, highlighting areas of the new building that will house the resources the public can use to research local and family history.

As well as representatives from the council, university and building contractor ISG, guests from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which has contributed £7.7 million to the project, will also attend the event.

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This is a landmark day for this exciting scheme. Its symbolises the realisation of a dream to bring the history of Hull to life for new generations."

Martin Taylor, Hull City Council history services manager said: "We are really pleased that many of the people who have been instrumental in getting this project off the ground will be coming together to celebrate this milestone. For some it will be the first time they have seen the site in Hull."

Judy Burg, University of Hull Archivist commented: "It has been exciting seeing the building taking shape over the past year and it is wonderful to have reached this milestone with the main structure complete.

"We can now really begin to visualise all the new services and activities that will be possible once the History Centre is open."

Lord Mayor Councillor Elaine Garland said: "It is really exciting to reach this important stage in the construction process for a building that will be of interest and use to the public in Kingston upon Hull, and which will contain some of our most important records and artefacts that support our rich heritage."