Stephen Lewis, managing director of HFD Property Group, and Richard Smith, associate director of HFD Construction, ran laps at the top of the 14-storey development at 177 Bothwell Street as runners across the country completed the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon.

The pair completed more than 40 laps of the rooftop, while a further five members of the team completed the challenge virtually, raising more than £6,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

David Shearer, managing director of HFD Construction, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in July. HFD said it is therefore “keen to support the charity which helps to fund research into the debilitating condition”.

The topping out milestone comes as three acres of glazing is being installed on the building’s exterior, equivalent to the size of 177 double decker buses. Despite Covid-19 causing a temporary halt to construction, the development is on track for completion next autumn.

177 Bothwell Street will provide around 313,000 sq. ft. of Grade A office space in the heart of Glasgow’s International Financial Services District. It has been specifically designed with staff wellbeing, connectivity, and sustainability at the heart of the plans with the open-air running track and 8,000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace among a number of initiatives focused on employee health and wellbeing.

HFD Group also recently announced a series of enhanced design features that will go towards making the building ‘touch-free’, using technology to simplify occupiers’ experience of the building, reflecting the future of working life amid the pandemic.

A large section of 177 Bothwell Street has been pre-let to Virgin Money for its new headquarters, while HFD Group’s serviced offices business will occupy 65,000 sq. ft. in the building. An independent economic impact assessment concluded that the development will generate £2.8 billion of gross value added (GVA) to the Scottish economy over 25 years.

Mr Lewis said: “177 Bothwell Street is going to provide Glasgow’s business community with the quality office space they need to help them attract and retain the best talent.

“Research has shown that employee wellbeing is among the top priorities for employers and 177 Bothwell Street has been designed with occupiers at the heart of it. We have included a number of features such as the rooftop terraces and running track and extensive facilities for cyclists.”

Mr Smith said: “Despite stormy conditions, the first real experience of the rooftop running track was remarkable and it will be spectacular once fully completed, offering striking views of the city centre and beyond. Topping out marks another significant milestone in our construction programme and brings us another step closer towards completion of this ambitious development.”