KAJIMA REACHES FINANCIAL CLOSE ON VELINDRE CANCER CENTRE

The ACORN consortium, led by Kajima has achieved financial close for the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, Wales. Velindre Cancer Centre is being developed in compliance with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and is set to become one of the most sustainable hospitals in the UK.

The new hospital is part of Velindre University NHS Trust’s Transforming Cancer Services in South East Wales 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.

Acorn Consotrium is formed of Sacyr, Abrdn and the Development Bank of Wales. The funding group includes Aviva Investors, Siemens, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, CaixaBank, Norinchukin, Nomura and Nord/LB.

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

The scheme, which targets BREEAM ‘Excellent’, is designed to be all-electric, supporting low energy demand and low operational carbon. A strategy is in place to reduce site waste through off-site manufacture of components to minimise transportation and create efficiencies in the construction and maintenance of the hospital.

The design, led by White Arkitekter, has been developed to ensure minimum impact on the site. 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. The scheme also seeks to create informal play areas and a multitude of walking, cycling and relaxation areas.

Richard Coe, Project Director, Kajima Partnerships, commented: “It is fantastic to achieve Financial Close on this exemplary new hospital, and we look forward to seeing the building take shape during the construction period. The project represents a paradigm shift in sustainable healthcare, providing cutting-edge facilities and treatment in a building that has been designed with sustainable material innovation, community inclusion and a commitment to preserving the environment at its forefront.”