BRISTOL Grammar School celebrated an important stage in the construction of its Performing Arts Centre (PAC) with a traditional topping out ceremony.


Once completed the centre, in Elton Road, Clifton, will include a theatre that will enable different seating configurations, a dance studio, live music venue and a variety of music and band rooms.


There will also be an impressive foyer for art exhibitions.


Headmaster of Bristol Grammar School, Rod MacKinnon, was joined by Paul Barber, South West regional director of Rydon, the Bristol-based company undertaking construction, along with students and staff from the school to fix the final bolt to the steel frame on September 30.


Mr MacKinnon said: “This really is something to celebrate as we move closer to the moment when students, teachers and the wider community will be able to take full advantage of all the fantastic elements this new centre has to offer.


“There is such enthusiasm and passion for the arts at Bristol Grammar School and, while the learning, teaching and performances at the school are already excellent, I believe the inspirational surroundings of the new facility will help develop even more creativity and production value.”


The PAC will be available to the wider community, including schools and local arts groups as well as visiting national companies and organisations outside of core school hours.


Mr Barber said: “The new PAC will be an inspiring place to for students to learn and perform and is an impressive new addition to complement Bristol Grammar School’s existing facilities. As a Bristol-based contractor we proudly bring our expertise in the construction of high-quality education facilities to this exciting project.”


The centre is set to officially open in August next year.