The ACORN consortium, led by Kajima, the pan-European property investor, developer, and asset manager, alongside Sacyr, Abrdn, and the Development Bank of Wales, has achieved financial close for the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, which is due to open in April 2027
The new facility is being developed in compliance with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, and – the developers say – is set to become one of the UK’s most sustainable hospitals. The new hospital is part of Velindre University NHS Trust’s Transforming Cancer Services in South East Wales Programme. The Trust says 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’.
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, with construction set to start his month.
The scheme, targeting 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 offsite manufacture of components to minimise transportation and create efficiencies in the hospital’s construction and maintenance.
The White Arkitekter-led design has been developed to ensure minimum impact on the site, with the landscape strategy aiming to retain existing and create 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, walking, cycling, and relaxation areas.
Richard Coe, Project director, Kajima Partnerships, said: “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 designed with sustainable material innovation, community inclusion, and a commitment to preserving the environment, at its forefront.”
The ACORN consortium was appointed following a public procurement process run by Velindre University NHS Trust. It includes Sacyr, Abrdn, Kier Facilities Services, White Arkitekter, Socotec, Hydrock, Ingho, ICCA, MJ Medical, Turley, Studio Response, Camlins Landscape Architects, RSK, Bureau Veritas, Osborne Clarke, Operis, Howden, Mazars, Cloud Nine, Evolution Infrastructure, Addleshaw Goddard, Marsh, AECOM, Lloyds, Geldards, Pinsent Masons, and Artelia.
