61 Whitehall ‘Topped Out’ and RUSI’s Capital Appeal Enters Phase Two
RUSI’s return to our landmark 61 Whitehall home is a step closer with the completion of the structural steel work on the expanded top floor of the building.
‘Topping Out’ is the point at which the highest point of a building is put in place. The moment was marked by our Chair Sir David Lidington and our Director General, Karin von Hippel, tightening the final bolt of the new steel beams. They were joined by vice Chair Lord Ricketts as well as representatives of Coniston who are undertaking the work and Littlehampton, responsible for the steel installation.
The ceremony also saw the launch of the second phase of our capital appeal to restore and transform 61 Whitehall and strengthen RUSI’s future. Phase one, was successfully completed earlier in 2022, securing £10m from the generous support of a number of donors. We are now seeking to raise a further £3.5m to make additional investments in the equipment and tools to help us reach audiences around the globe and help build a more secure, equitable and stable world.
Commenting, Sir David said:
We owe a debt of gratitude to our generous supporters whose investment in RUSI’s future has got us this far. This work and our future fundraising will mean we can continue to enhance public debate when it has never been more important to build global security and stability.
The Rt Hon Sir David Lidington KCB CBE
Chair
Dr Karin von Hippel added:
We’re making great progress to be ready to return to 61 Whitehall in 2023. When we do, we’ll have a restored and transformed home with first class facilities. I’m excited about the progress we’ve made and can’t wait to see this project completed.
Dr Karin von Hippel
Director-General
Speaking for contractors Coniston, Gary Evans, Commercial Director said:
Coniston are pleased to have achieved the ‘topping out’ milestone at 61 Whitehall, at exactly the half way stage of their construction programme, this being delivered through the dedicated collaborative hard work adopted by the deign and construction delivery teams. A very big thank you to all those involved.
Gary Evans
Coniston, Commercial Director
