The University of Southampton has celebrated reaching the highest point of construction on its flagship new teaching and learning building.
To mark the milestone, a steel-signing topping out ceremony was held on site attended by the University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith, the High Sheriff of Hampshire Susan Elton, and the Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Alex Winning.
The building, opening next year, has been named B75 to celebrate the 75-year anniversary since the University was granted a Royal Charter, and will form part of the new North East Quadrant on its Highfield campus.
Spanning five floors and built using a combination of steel and concrete frames, B75 will provide a modern and flexible teaching and learning facilities, including large lecture theatres and social areas to create a striking new gateway to Highfield campus.
Work at the site began in 2025 and Thursday's topping out ceremony marked the building having reached its full height.
Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Southampton Professor Mark E. Smith said: "The North East Quadrant symbolises our dedication to creating innovative and inspiring learning environments for our current and futures students.
"We are committed to providing an outstanding experience and will continue to invest in our facilities to ensure teaching spaces meet the needs of our community.
"On the 75-year anniversary of being granted our Royal Charter, Building 75 stands as an enduring symbol of our history, our progress and our ambition."
B75 will be the University's most sustainable building to date, with several initiatives incorporated including modern building management systems and controls, including a fabric-first approach, solar panels and air source heat pump technology.
The building provides access to landscaped green and outdoor covered study spaces, and informal seating.
Kevin Argent, Executive Director of Estates and Facilities at the University, said: "Today marks a defining chapter in our history as we reach the topping-out of our largest ever capital project.
"The building is distinct and ambitious in its design and is a key component of our recently established estates masterplan.
"This focuses on developing our estate for a better day-to-day experience for students and staff, the ability to support future teaching and research and a stronger civic and national role as a regional anchor to shape, drive and lead growth for us and our community.
"I am delighted to have worked with Kier and all our partners to have reached this significant milestone."
Emma Brown, President of the University Students' Union, added: "It has been exciting to see Building 75 take shape over the last 12 months.
"Seeing the University invest sends a clear message, students matter and their experience matters.
"The new social and study spaces are exactly what students need - a modern, sustainable hub that supports both academic goals and wellbeing."
Steve Topliss, Operations Director at Kier Construction Southern, said: "It is almost a year to the day since we broke the ground on this project - and the transformation in just 12 months is testament to the expertise and collaboration of the entire project team. The impact of this project goes far beyond the new building.
"From apprentice opportunities and school visits, to regularly welcoming the University's Civil Engineering Society to site - we are proud of the positive legacy this project is having here in Southampton."
Top image caption (left to right): High Sheriff of Hampshire Susan Elton, University Vice-President (Education) Professor Deborah Gill, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council Councillor Alex Winning, Operations Director at Kier Construction Southern Steve Topliss, and University Students' Union President Emma Brown
