WATCH: £18m University of Wolverhampton school nearly ready for business
An £18 million business school is rising from the ground at the University of Wolverhampton as the countdown begins to its long-awaited opening.
As the University of Wolverhampton's multi-million pound business school reached its highest point, a topping out ceremony offered the first glimpse inside - complete with installation of the yew branch to ward off evil.
Ground was broken on the project in June last year and is so far on track to be completed in September, with students moving in early October.
And it was revealed that the building will bear the name of Caparo founder Lord Swraj Paul, who has close ties to the university.
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A towering block of concrete and steel at the Molineux Campus right now, the six storeys are taking shape and will soon be home to purpose-built teaching spaces, an executive education suite, an IT suite, a central social area and a cafe.
After leading a small group to the top of the Camp Street building on Wednesday, the university's Vice-chancellor Professor Geoff Layer had the honour of hoisting the yew to the highest point of the structure, an ancient Pagan topping out tradition to keep evil spirits at bay.
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The final bricks were placed at the top by a small group, including newly-appointed city mayor, councillor Ian Brookfield, and Interserve Construction boss Simon Butler, as they took in the views across Wolverhampton.
Professor Layer said it was a momentous occasion.
The university has been around a long time - established as a mechanics institute more than 180 years ago - and it was then, as it is now, an institution that has been set up with a particular strategic plan, he said.
"Which is to develop the workforce of tomorrow, and promote the workforce of today.
"This university has set its goal out quite clearly that it will grow the economic area around it, nationally and internationally.
"The business school is something that is dear to our hearts for a number of reasons. It is something that promotes business investment, business skills, and business development. It is a university at the heart of its business community."
It is part of the university's £250 million investment campaign, which will benefit its campuses in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Telford, and Stafford, and has the tag line 'our vision - your opportunity'.
"We are seeking to make a real difference in these areas, as well as the Black Country generally."
And the school will bear the name of a business giant who himself has made a difference in these areas, and as Chancellor of the university recently bestowed it with £1 million, its largest ever single donation.
Naming it the Lord Swraj Paul Building is a fitting tribute for his many years of dedicated service to the university, Professor Layer said. He added: "He is a fantastic ambassador for the university, and is a hugely successful businessman who has built his company from next to nothing. He is someone who inspires our students."
Lord Paul is the founder of steel and engineering giant Caparo, which has sites in Wednesbury, Wolverhampton, Cradley Heath and Dudley, and has been Chancellor of the university since 1999.
Also speaking at the event was Miceal Barden, Dean of the School of Social Sciences.
Joking about Mr Barden's interview for the role last year, Professor Layer said he had agreed to take up the job if they built him a new building - and knowing the university liked to build big ones, he hoped it would be substantial.
"Well Miceal, here it is."
Mr Barden said the creation of the building clearly states the university's commitment to business and commercial education.
"It is a really strong message that we mean business in this university."
It is a stance that goes back 80 years, he said, with Wolverhampton the first university in the UK to offer the MBA programme, which would also be invigorated by the new school.
An executive business floor will allow even more engagement with regional business, and the aim will be to place the business school at the centre of executive business education.
His predecessor Dr Anthea Gregory, who is now the deputy vice-chancellor, had been the driving force and 'literally got the project off the ground', he said.
The university now has 23,000 students - more than ever before - and 2,400 staff.
Other ongoing projects and investments include the £25m science block in Stafford Street, £65m Springfield Brewery construction college, £12m being pumped into Wolverhampton Science Park, £12m at the Telford Innovation Campus, as well as new centres in Telford and Stafford's Shire Hall, and a £10m health college in West Bromwich.
