ACORN consortium reaches financial close on Velindre Cancer Centre

The new hospital is part of Velindre University NHS Trust’s Transforming Cancer Services Programme. It will provide patients and carers with high-quality and sustainable services, delivering the most effective treatments while also leading national and international education, research, and innovation in cancer patient care.

– We are very pleased that the Acorn consortium has achieved financial close on the New Velindre Cancer Centre. The project represents a huge step forward for the provision of sustainable healthcare facilities, cancer treatment and cancer research in the UK, says Michael Woodford, Director London Studio, White Arkitekter.

To meet the high sustainability goals, the building design prioritises local sourcing and natural materials with low carbon footprints that promote health and well-being. The scheme has a hybrid structural strategy, with mass-timber structure to public areas. Thanks to the use of materials such as hempcrete and mineral plasters that are breathable and flexible, a natural and calming environment is created for patients, relatives, and staff.

The building is designed to be all electric to supporting low energy demand and low operational carbon and aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent. The design also seeks to reduce the amount of material used. This is achieved through an extremely compact and efficient building plan and optimised structural and material use strategy.

The new Velindre Cancer Centre is surrounded by a landscape garden designed to ensure minimum impact on the site and to keep the Welsh landscape as wild as possible. The landscape strategy aims to retain existing habitats and creating new habitats alongside new landscape spaces, such as an orchard with Welsh apple varieties and a community kitchen garden. By designing informal playgrounds and a variety of walking, cycling and relaxation areas, play and movement in nature is encouraged.

Sacyr UK has been appointed as the main contractor, and the construction process will start in April 2024. The Cancer Centre is due to open in April 2027.

The funding group includes Aviva Investors, Siemens, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, CaixaBank, Norinchukin, Nomura and Nord/LB.