Officials at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital said a new radiotherapy cancer treatment building was on course for completion this autumn.

Construction of the new building, which will increase radiotherapy capacity at the Colney site by a third, is almost halfway through. The metal framework has been erected and cladding has been applied in readiness for the brickwork sections. The concrete is being cast to provide thick walls, which will contain the high energy x-rays, to treat cancers.

The construction work is scheduled to finish in October 2013 when the first linear accelerator will be installed and tested.

Tom Roques, consultant oncologist, said: 'With life expectancy rising, we anticipate more people will need treatment for cancer in the future and this new facility is critical to help meet that need.'

The new building is located next to the hospital's Mulbarton ward, which provides treatment for cancer patients. The plans also include a new orthovoltage treatment room with equipment which can treat cancers which sit near the surface of the body.