The topping out ceremony for the new British Embassy building in Warsaw was held on 15 October 2008. The event took place seven months after the official groundbreaking ceremony  which was held in April. 

Her Majesty’s Ambassador was joined by members of British Embassy staff, representatives of the Polish  Government and the Warsaw diplomatic community, together with key members of the design and construction teams to informally celebrate the completion of the basic structure of the building.

The British Ambassador thanked all  those who had contributed to the construction of the building. He said that the project was a sign of UK respect for Poles and Poland. “Buildings are important, but more important are bilateral relations between our countries, which are now excellent.” – he added.

Archbishop Jozef Kowalczyk, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Papal Nuncio present at the ceremony, gave a short blessing. He was impressed by the efficiency of the construction process. “Money is not enough, you also need good organisation and planning so that the idea can take shape ’ – said Archbishop Kowalczyk.

After saying a few words to the assembled guests, Ambassador Todd then climbed up the scaffolding to the roof of the building where, in accordance with a mixture of British and Polish traditions, he poured a tankard of beer over a small tree branch marking the highest point of the building.

The new Embassy building is scheduled to reach completion in the summer of 2009.    

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Latest photos from the topping-out ceremony

 

 

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