THE UK’s largest children’s charity hosted a ‘topping out’ ceremony to celebrate the construction of its new head office.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Anne Marie Carrie laid a commemorative brick on the roof of the charity’s new HQ in Tanners Lane, Barkingside, last Tuesday (July 24).

The three-storey building will officially open next summer and replaces Barnardo’s’ former head office which was built in the 1960s.

Its construction has been funded by the building of 142 new homes near the site.

The plans for those homes faced opposition from elderly people living in a nearby retirement complex when they were announced last year.

But Barnardo’s amended plans after discussions with residents and the scheme was given the go-ahead.

Speaking after the toping out ceremony, Tony Cripps, Barnardo’s director of property and facilities management, said: “This event highlights a major milestone in the construction of our much needed new office building.

“This is an exciting time and the new premises will enhance the local area as well as ensure we remain an attractive local employer.”

Topping out is a traditional ceremony dating back over many centuries, and one of a number of customs and ceremonies observed amongst builders today to ensure good fortune for a new building.

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