Scottish Catholic Observer

St Aloysius’ College, Glasgow have welcomed the their new sports complex’s structural completion with a special ‘Topping Out’ ceremony.

The ‘Topping Out’ ceremony, a tradition for builders once a building has reached its peak height, saw headmaster John Browne put in the final screw with a helping hand from P4 pupil Samuel Craig and Charlotte Ross, former hockey captain.

Samuel, the winner of the CBC Safety Poster Competition, will have his design decorate the site along with the work of runners up Anastacia Conley (P4), Anna Brown (P4) and Joseph Hesketh (P3) until the end of the project in Autumn this year.

“The ‘Topping Out’ ceremony marks a special day in the history of St Aloysius’ College. Health and wellbeing are key elements of the Magis curriculum – through which we shape pupils’ appreciation of the learning experience and ignite their passions,” said John Browne, rector of St Aloysius’ College. “Our new sports facility will enhance the educational experience for pupils and as a school which prides itself in educating the whole person, we are excited about the legacy for current and future Aloysians to come.”

The new £7.5 million sports facility is located in the city’s Garnethill area, and is home to a four-court sports hall available for a number of sports including basketball, netball, volleyball and 5-a-side football, as well as a dance studio, fitness suite, changing facilities, reception area and café.

The stylish new building, made from glass, brickwork and bronze aluminium, is created to complement the historic buildings surrounding the college, including the Mackintosh Building and the Reid Building, both of which are part of the prestigious Glasgow School of Art.

The sports complex is built on the existing playground and backcourt area next to the main building, joined via a one-storey annexe, and offers relief to staff, parents and pupils in the reduced travel times to existing sports location, which are located across Glasgow.

“CBS are very proud to be working with St Aloysius’ College for the first time to deliver this impressive facility”, remarked James McAlpine, managing director of CBC. “I’ve no doubt that the new complex will be very well sued by pupils and, for a school with a rich history in sporting excellence, will help shape some of the sporting stars of the future”.