Plans for a new rehabilitation unit at Western Community Hospital in Southampton have reached a new milestone.

A topping out ceremony to celebrate the structure being erected took place at the site in William Macleod Way, marking the end of phase two of the building process by construction company Brymor.

During the ceremony, Solent NHS Trust Chief Executive Andrew Stevens shovelled the last bit of concrete and everyone in attendance was welcomed to sign a column as good luck.

READ MORE: Next phase on Western Community Hospital rehab centre

More than 30 people, including the construction team, project management team, architects, clinical staff and trust leaders, went to view the new parts of the building .

This included the foundations, stairwells, columns, floors and the roof. Builders aim to put up the external walls and start the internal fitting in early September.

The project cost £21 million and will add 50 new beds and will be bringing in staff from two wards at the Royal South Hants Hospital.

The new unit is expected to be open in summer 2024.

Originating in Scandinavia, a topping out ceremony is seen as a milestone in the project to mark the completion of the structural element of the building.

It aims to bring everyone who worked on the project together so they can observe their progress.

Daily Echo: Joe Low photographer

Andrew Strevens said: “It is fantastic to get to this stage. I have been working on this project for many years and I’m very grateful to everyone for all their hard work so far.

"To see the progress from detailed planning to demolition and then the rapid rise of this building has been incredible.

"It’s been a true team effort involving the Solent estates and clinical teams, and our colleagues at Brymor.”

Brymor Managing Director Mark Dyer said: “We are delighted to have welcomed valued guests and members of the whole project team to our site to celebrate the completion of the structural concrete frame”.