AS work on the new Malvern Heath Centre nears completion, developer Alfred McAlpine held a topping-out ceremony.

The event marked the completion of the highest point of the building, located on the old district council depot in Pickerleigh Road The building should be finished in August, after which Malvern Health Centre and Court Road Surgery will be able to move in.

The 34,036-square-foot development incorporates general medical and community health services, dentistry and a pharmacy.

McAlpine's Bob Tattrie said: "We are delighted to see such significant progress with the project, which took two and a half years of planning prior to commencement on site.

"As can be seen from the state of construction, it is going to be an outstanding development on behalf of the GPs and their patients.

"Careful planning and the close working relationship with Malvern Hills District Council on the remediation of the site has ensured that the Alfred McAlpine construction team can build the scheme in line with the original programme and specification."