Bolton One tops out

A topping out ceremony has been held to mark the highest point of construction at a new £30m health, leisure and research centre in Bolton.

The facility, known as Bolton One, is due to open early next year and involves a partnership between NHS Bolton, Bolton Council and the University of Bolton.

Designed by Nightingale Associates, Bolton One is being built by Eric Wright Group and is located at the University of Bolton's Deane Road campus.

The facility includes an eight-lane, 25-metre competition swimming pool, managed by the council's partner Serco, with seating for 250 spectators; a therapeutic hydrotherapy pool for people with disabilities; a fitness suite; aerobics studio; and community gym in the leisure area.

An urgent care, diagnostic and treatment centre, managed by the NHS within the complex, will provide a walk-in service for patients as well as an assessment, advice and treatment service aimed at helping patients avoid unnecessary trips to accident and emergency departments for the treatment of minor injuries and illnesses. Other urgent care services, such as an out-of-hours general practitioner, will also be based at Bolton One.

The University of Bolton will be providing a centre of excellence for health and wellbeing, which will include clinical skills laboratory facilities; a rehabilitation suite, including rehabilitation clinics; sports injury and exercise and conditioning clinics; and teaching and seminar rooms.

The university will also have a sports centre and climbing wall within the complex, which will replace its current facilities and will be open to the public. The university's centre for research for health and wellbeing will also be based in Bolton One.

Pam Senior, chairman of NHS Bolton, said: "It's great that this magnificent landmark building has now taken its full shape. This is a shining example of partnership work, and it will offer real benefits to the people of Bolton for many years to come."

Bolton One is due for completion in 2012.