Topping out event celebrates structural completion at former library site

This week, those involved in the design and delivery of the hotel, retail and residential hub on the former library site in Slough celebrated the completion of the building’s external structure, at a dedicated topping out ceremony. Representatives from Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), Slough Borough Council, Morgan Sindall, Cycas and Marriott gathered to recognise this construction milestone; eight weeks ahead of programme. Attendees climbed up nine floors to the roof of the new development , where they enjoyed far reaching views across Slough and the wider area. A series of short speeches ensued, celebrating the achievements made so far, as well as taking a look forward at what more this project still has to deliver for the town.

Attendees at the event also had an opportunity to visit the Moxy hotel sample room, which was unveiled late last year and acts as a benchmark unit for the hotel.

Formerly the old library site, the scheme here will deliver two new Marriott International hotels, 64 residential apartments and 4,100sqft of restaurant and retail space. The hotels, which are being developed and owned by the council are being built via Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), a joint venture between Slough Borough Council and Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd. When complete they will be operated by Cycas under two Marriott Hotel brands; Moxy and Residence Inn.

Councillor James Swindlehurst, leader of the council and lead member for regeneration said: “The topping out ceremony provides a great opportunity to take stock and celebrate, not only this development and what it will deliver for the town, but all that we have already achieved as a joint partnership. This scheme delivers across a number of our corporate objectives, from regenerating the town centre, to contributing towards making Slough a great place to do business. To have a brand new, top class hotel offering, right in the heart of the town is going to be great for the community and great for business.”

Andy Howell, General Manager at Slough Urban Renewal (SUR), said: “Work continues apace and reaching structural completion for this mixed use development is a significant milestone, which deserves to be celebrated. The scheme here will deliver much needed high quality hotel accommodation in the town centre, while the apartments will contribute towards meeting the local demand for housing.”

James York, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction, said: “The old library site is a key community asset and this reimagined use for it will elevate the hospitality and residential offer in Slough; catering to increased demand fuelled by the town’s continued renaissance.

“We’re incredibly pleased to celebrate this milestone with all of the public and private partners involved in the scheme. That we’ve been able to do so eight weeks ahead of schedule is credit to everyone working on the project.”

Wayne Androliakos, Cycas Hospitality Chief Operating Officer, added:
"As Slough continues to be transformed, all of us at Cycas Hospitality are very excited about the potential role this double-decker hotel will play within the town's regeneration.

"There's no doubt that introducing these two international Marriott brands will help widen the choice of accommodation styles we can offer visitors. But we're also confident that this dual-branded property will create new jobs and really help this area of Slough become a new destination in its own right."

The hotels are expected to be complete in the spring next year.