THE work to transform a former newspaper office in Worcester is on-track with gold panelling now being installed.

Berrows House, the former home of the Worcester News, is being re-developed by the University of Worcester, which plans to use it for teaching medical students.

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Work was proceeding apace today with gold panels, similar to those on the Hive, being put into place.

The front of the building is now covered in glittering panels which contrast with the rather drab appearance of the original structure.

The building was the home of the paper until 2020 when its operations were moved to London Road.

Worcester News: GOLD: The new look for the old Worcester News building as the University of Worcester continues the work to transform the buildingGOLD: The new look for the old Worcester News building as the University of Worcester continues the work to transform the building

During the work, the former newspaper office has been partially demolished, with a new structure and metal framework being put in to give the historic building a new lease of life.

A university spokesman provided an update on the works, saying: "The works to refurbish the former Berrows House building into new, outstanding facilities to educate health professionals is progressing well.

"The overwhelming majority of demolition works are now complete, and the installation of structural framing continues.

Worcester News: STRIKING: The gold panelling from the side of the building. The design is by Austin-Smith Salmon-Lord PartnershipSTRIKING: The gold panelling from the side of the building. The design is by Austin-Smith Salmon-Lord Partnership

"The university is hoping that the building will be ready for use in early 2023, when students studying across a range of health courses, including Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic Science, and those studying on the University’s new Medical degree will have access to new state-of-the-art facilities.

"The university is the major educator of health professionals in the Three Counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as well as much of Dudley and Halesowen.

"This new facility will enable the University to educate even more of these professionals, playing a key role in ending the chronic shortage of medical and health professionals in the region."

Worcester News agreed to the deal to sell the Hylton Road building to the university back in 2019.

The paper was based at the building since 1965.

Plans for the renovation, drawn up by Midlands-based Glancy Nicholls Architects, include a state-of-the art anatomy laboratory, a suite of GP simulation rooms, and a range of general seminar and teaching rooms.

There will also be offices, break-out spaces for group study and a café.