White Arkitekter and the Acorn Team to deliver new Velindre Cancer Centre

Following a robust nine-month competition to design, build, finance and maintain the new Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre University NHS Trust has now announced a winner. We are very delighted that we, as part of the Acorn Consortium, have been chosen to deliver the new clinic which will set a new standard for cancer care in Wales.

Velindre Cancer Centre provides specialist cancer services for the patient population of south east Wales. In September 2021, Velindre University NHS Trust launched a competition to develop the new Velindre Cancer Centre following the Welsh Government’s approval of the outline business case in March 2021. The successful participant which will work with patients, staff and the local community on the development of the new centre is the Acorn consortium, of which we are a part.

– Based on evidence-based research from a highly experienced design team that includes White Arkitekter, Arup, Camlins, MJ Medical, Turley and Studio Response, our design shapes a place that supports mental and physical wellbeing for patients and their families, as well as delivering a state-of-the-art workplace for clinicians and staff, said Michael Woodford, Partner and London Studio Director at White Arkitekter.

The building has been designed to maximise the use of locally sourced and natural materials to significantly lower embodied carbon while providing optimal environments for treatment, recovery, and respite.

A high-performance envelope and passive design approach combined with energy efficient services from low carbon technologies and on-site energy generation will aim to deliver the most sustainable hospital in the UK.
Michael Woodford, London Studio Director, White Arkitekter

The New Velindre Cancer Centre will be gently integrated within the Welsh landscape; respecting flora, fauna, and ecology, and creating a place that is accessible to all.

– Our ambition for the design of the new centre has been clear from the outset – we want to build a cancer centre for the future which is the greenest in the UK. We were delighted with the proposals that were put forward and are grateful to the bidders for their extraordinary commitment to the competitive dialogue process. said Steve Ham, Chief Executive of Velindre University NHS Trust.

We asked for a design that makes people feel good, that is strong, long lasting, flexible and efficient. We have got that – and so much more. We look forward to welcoming our first patient into the new centre.
Steve Ham, Chief Executive of Velindre University NHS Trust

Acorn Consortium

The consortium team includes Kajima Partnerships, Sacyr, Abrdn, Andrew Scott, Kier Facilities Services, White Arkitekter, Arup, MJ Medical, Turley, Studio Response, Camlins Landscape Architects, Osborne Clarke, Operis and Confab Lab.

Contact Person

Michael Woodford

Michael Woodford

Architect, Office director

London

+44 203 667 27 34

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