Building Integrated Services, a UK-based construction company, has topped out on Highclere Medical Centre, a new community GP surgery in Cosham, Portsmouth, managed by Solent NHS Trust.
Topping out is ceremonially when the last beam is placed atop a structure during its construction.
The topping out milestone was marked with a marked with a steelwork-signing by guests ranging from the architects who designed the building through to the GPs who will be based there.
Those present at the topping out ceremony, a construction industry tradition, were invited to climb a podium to write their name on one of the last beams to be put in place on the upper floor.
It is hoped the centre, being built on a former car park, will be completed and welcoming its first patients by early 2025
Building Integrated Services began clearing the ground for the purpose-built surgery off Northern Road in October 2023.
Jonathan Gough, Managing Director of Contractors Building Integrated Services, said: "It is a great achievement to have reached this stage in the project. Highclere is a challenging site, but the building is going up well. We are very proud to be helping to deliver such an important facility for the NHS and the local community."
Once completed, Highclere Medical Centre will house six consulting rooms, three treatment rooms and admin space, along with a bright and welcoming entrance and waiting area.
Building Integrated Services began clearing the ground for the purpose-built surgery off Northern Road in October 2023
It is hoped the centre, being built on a former car park, will be completed and welcoming its first patients by early 2025.
Nicola Burnett, Chief Finance Officer and Director of Estates at Solent NHS Trust said: "Highclere Medical Centre has been a long time in the making, with lots of obstacles along the way, so to see it through from concept to where we are today is fantastic."
"This project is one we can truly hold up in terms of partnership working; right from the start, everyone has pulled together to make this much-needed new healthcare unit a reality. I am confident it will be of huge benefit to the people of this part of Portsmouth," Burnett concluded.
Headline image: CGI of new surgery courtesy of Hunters via Solent NHS Trust
