WORK to build a £50m leisure complex in Bournemouth has now reached its highest point.

The complex at the former bus station site in Exeter Road stands 39 metres above sea level – making it a metre taller than the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

Whilst the project is taking shape the site is still very much a construction zone.

But yesterday, (Thursday), developers Licet Holdings, site owner NCP, funding partner Legal and General Property and Vinci Construction gathered at the site for a topping out ceremony - which marks when the highest beam of the structure is put in place.

Everyone signed a steel girder which will eventually sit at the top of the building.

The West Central scheme has been in the pipeline for 17 years and is due for completion in October 2016.

It will include restaurants, shops and a 2,000-seat, 10-screen Odeon cinema, which will be home to the biggest cinema screen in the South West.

At the ceremony Chris Dymond of Licet Holdings said: "I had my first meeting for this project in 1998 - the same year France won the World Cup and the same year Manchester City was relegated to division two.

"It is safe to say it has been a long game but finally we are getting somewhere.

"This scheme is going to be so wonderful for Bournemouth and the fact we are already 80 per cent pre-let just shows how much confidence there is in this town.

"And I can't wait for the official launch party this time next year."