A SPECIAL topping out ceremony took place at the University of Worcester yesterday to mark a milestone in the construction of a £7 million allergy and aerobiology test centre.

The ceremony, which involved placing a tree at the highest point of the new building, celebrated the completion of the structural framework of the test centre, the latest addition to the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), a specialist unit that provides the United Kingdom with its pollen forecast. Representatives from the University of Worcester, NPARU and constructors Leadbitter were joined by local dignitaries for the event.

Built alongside NPARU’s existing research facilities at the university’s St John’s campus, it will form part of the university’s Institute of Health, Psychology and Social Care and link in with other areas of study, including applied sciences, sports and motion analysis.