The topping out ceremony for The Lanes Shopping Centre, Carlisle, Cumbria
Builders from John Laing PLC along with dignitaries from Carlisle attending the topping out ceremony for The Lanes Shopping Centre. The people featured in the photo include, Sir Martin Laing - former Executive Chairman of John Laing PLC - and the Mayor of Carlisle - Trudy Whalley. In construction a 'topping-out' ceremony is usually held when the last beam (or part) of a new building is put in place - to celebrate it being finished. Laing were a company who originated in Cumbria in the mid-19th century; they constructed many buildings throughout Carlisle and went on to work across the world. In the 1970s and 80s, Laing built many shopping centres, such as The Lanes, to cater to the changing shopping habits of British consumers.
Location
Cumbria CarlislePeriod
1980s (1980 - 1989)Themes
