A MAJOR £27 million flats scheme on a former council car park has been topped-out.

The Berry Court scheme, developed by the Bournemouth Development Company (BDC) - a partnership between the council and Morgan Sindall Investments - and Radian Group, will offer 113 one, two and three-bedroom flats when completed next year, alongside a new multi-storey car park.

It is one of several developments under construction or in the planning stage for council car park sites across the town as part of the Town Centre Vision, which has a focus on building new homes.

More than 50 guests including civic leaders, project partners and construction workers attended the topping out ceremony marking the completion of the main, nine-floor structure, in St Peter's Road, that has been under construction since last summer.

Council leader John Beesley said: "Attracting new residents to come and live in the town centre is an essential part of the vision.

"Berry Court will help us accelerate the delivery of much-needed new homes whilst safeguarding public parking.

"This combination of activities will boost regeneration and secure long-term economic growth."

The new flats will be available for private rental via Radian.

Other BDC projects include flats developments at Horseshoe Common - the Citrus Building - and on the former Durley Road car park on the West Cliff, as well as the £150 million flats and leisure development on the former Winter Gardens car park.

Several other car parks are currently earmarked for construction, causing some dismay to residents concerned about parking.

The council says the new multi-storey at Berry Court provides all 155 spaces in the former surface car park, although only 62 spaces are provided for residents of the new flats.

The build has so far involved 15,000 tons of concrete, 7,000 tons of reinforcement and 460 piles. Up to 100 construction workers are on site on any given day.