Representatives from Vitruvius Management Services and Barnwood Construction joined senior management at Hartpury University and Hartpury College to mark a milestone in the construction of a new flexible catering and conference facility, set for completion this summer.

The topping out ceremony took place as the new building officially reached its highest point.

The multi-use space, comprising of two-storeys of flooring across 2,347 sq m and an external seating area, has been designed by architects Roberts Limbrick and constructed by Barnwood.

Graze, as it's known, will be a modern facility with state-of-the-art technology and a focus on sustainability. In addition to food and drink outlets, the seating area makes it a place to meet and catch up with friends, colleagues and lecturers, or for some extra study time.

On the first floor, flexible classrooms with moveable walls create a dynamic learning and conference space, ideal for socialising, teaching and industry events.

The building will be ready for the new academic year in September.

Russell Marchant, vice-chancellor, principal and CEO of Hartpury, said: "Today marks an important landmark in the project timeline and I'm thrilled to see the building taking shape. This exciting new facility will improve our ability to offer students greater food choices and a dynamic learning space.

"We'd like to thank our partners at Roberts Limbrick, Barnwood Construction and Vitruvius Management Services for their hard work so far in helping us realise our ambition for this building."

Ben Ramsay, managing director of Barnwood Construction, said: "This is a fantastic project for our company, working at the heart of the bustling Hartpury campus. We've reached this major milestone working collaboratively with the team and are delighted to be progressing well from this platform to deliver Hartpury its brand-new facility."

Mark Price, managing director of Vitruvius Management Services, said: "We're pleased to be able to share this construction milestone with our client Hartpury, Barnwood and the wider team. I look forward to the delivery of this modern facility to future-proof Hartpury's built environment, supporting the high quality education establishment to fulfil its strategic vision."

Vitruvius Management Services has also just taken over a student housing project for Hartpury and University of Gloucestershire, following the collapse of previous contractor Midas.