The development of the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Mansfield Community Hospital reached another significant construction moment when a topping out ceremony was held.

Following the demolition of the former Victoria Hospital on the site last summer, construction has progressed and the building’s steel frame has been completed.

Staff at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which will operate the centre, came together with contractors and partners to sign the final beam and tighten the last bolt in celebration of the progress made so far. Mansfield Community Hospital matron Ros Roddy is pictured signing the metal structure at the topping out ceremony.

With 760 individual steel pieces weighing a combined 160 tonnes — the equivalent of around 32 ambulances — the structure is now fully in place.

The next phase of construction will see work begin on the building’s exterior to make the site weather-tight, paving the way for internal trades to begin fitting out the state-of-the-art facility.

Designed with both community benefit and sustainability at its heart, the project has already scored 43 out of 45 on the Considerate Constructors Scheme, earned an A-rating for its environmental performance, and has diverted 95% of its waste from landfill.

The average distance travelled by supply chain partners to site is 28 miles, supporting local employment, and reducing environmental impact.

Tony Shenton, regional director for Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “Using our expertise in creating modern healthcare facilities, we look forward to completing this centre, which will revolutionise diagnostic services for the community, while also creating more local job opportunities.”

Mansfield CDC will be Nottinghamshire’s first dedicated community diagnostic centre, providing a one-stop location for patients to access tests and investigations they need, helping to speed up diagnoses and improve health outcomes.

David Selwyn, the health trust’s acting chief executive, added: “Today’s topping out marks a big step in the journey of the Mansfield Community Diagnostic Centre towards its completion in spring 2026. Even before the building is complete, more than 76,000 tests have been delivered on site, helping patients receive quicker answers and better outcomes.

“We’ve also been working closely with the local community to ensure the rich history of this site is reflected in the new build.”

Those interested in contributing memories of the former Victoria Hospital can email their stories and photos to [email protected]