Real estate developer, owner and operator Dominus, in partnership with design & build contractor McAleer & Rushe, has reached a significant construction milestone with the topping out of the mixed-use development at 65 Crutched Friars in the City of London.

The topping out ceremony, held on Tuesday 10 February, brought together key project stakeholders to celebrate the structural completion of the building, marking an important step forward in delivering a landmark student living scheme that combines high-quality accommodation with new public realm and a permanent home for the Migration Museum.

The 21-storey development will deliver 782 purpose-built student residences, complemented by extensive social, study and well-being spaces, including private dining rooms, gym and wellness facilities, TV lounges, shared entertainment areas, and a roof terrace offering panoramic views across London

While the scheme will also create the first permanent home for the Migration Museum, providing a free-to-enter, purpose-built cultural space, secured through a 60-year lease that supports the museum’s long-term future in the City.

Designed with sustainability at its core, 65 Crutched Friars is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating, with energy-efficient systems including solar panels and air source heat pumps supporting a low-carbon design.

Construction is progressing towards practical completion in 2027, with the scheme scheduled to welcome students for the 2027/28 academic year.

Mark McCormick, Contracts Director at McAleer & Rushe, said:

“We’re delighted to celebrate the topping out at 65 Crutched Friars alongside our long-standing client, Dominus, marking another key milestone in the delivery of this landmark student living and cultural destination.

The transformation of this highly complex City of London development is a testament to the skill, innovation and collaboration of our site team, supply chain partners and wider project teams, and we now look ahead to progressing the scheme safely and sustainably towards a successful completion.”

Zoe Huang, Senior Development Manager, Dominus said:

“Topping out at 65 Crutched Friars is a major milestone and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing this scheme forward. From high-quality student living spaces to the permanent home for the Migration Museum, the development reflects our commitment to delivering places that create lasting value for residents and the wider community.

As construction progresses at pace, our focus is increasingly turning to the next phase — launching our student living brand and preparing to welcome students to a scheme that will set a new benchmark for accommodation in the City of London.”