EXCITEMENT is building for the opening of the state-of-the-art £10.3 million Bromsgrove Leisure Centre as construction work reached a milestone ‘topping out’ stage.

Construction company Morgan Sindall marked the milestone, which signifies the completion of the roof, with a ceremony attended by Bromsgrove Councillor Peter Whittaker.

Cllr Whittaker, the portfolio holder for leisure, said: “The installation of the roof is a significant moment in the development of the leisure centre and the next big step towards its completion.

“It means that works can progress without being dependent on the weather and, now that the roof is on, hopefully everything will start to take shape, looking less like a building site and more like the fantastic facility it will become.”

Work to the two-storey site is on course to finish ahead of its opening in autumn 2017.

Ben Shearman, contracts manager at Morgan Sindall, added: “Topping out marks an important milestone for us and we’re pleased that work is progressing as planned.

“The construction process has attracted lots of interest from the local community and it has been great to engage with the neighbouring school, giving pupils a tour of the site and delivering talks on careers in construction.

“We’re on course to hand over the finished centre in the autumn and we’re confident it will be an enduring addition to the leisure offering in the area.”

With work to the roof and concrete foundations to both pools laid, the next phase of work will see the external brickwork completed and cladding installed around the building.

When finished, the site - located on School Drive - will include two swimming pools, a climbing wall, a 100-station fitness suite and a spinning studio.