New Velindre Cancer Centre showcased at European Healthcare Design conference

17 June 2026

Members of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) team highlighted how the project is delivering one of the UK’s most sustainable cancer centres at a prestigious conference.

Two of the team highlighted the project at the European Healthcare Design conference held in London on June 15/16.

The session, “Building the UK’s greenest cancer centre: A holistic, collaborative home for future-focused healthcare”, looked at how our new home combines a modern building that delivers world-class clinical care alongside long-term flexibility, leading environmental credentials and a space that promotes the wellbeing of staff and patients.

The presentation also outlined how the nVCC marks a shift in the design and delivery of healthcare facilities and discussed the partnership between Velindre, Sacyr, and the Acorn consortium.

nVCC senior project manager Craig Sailsbury said: “We’re proud that the nVCC is setting new benchmarks for sustainable healthcare while providing a modern space that can deliver the world-class cancer care Velindre is known for. This project shows how we can design and deliver healthcare buildings that meet today’s needs while being ready to adapt for future generations.”

Michael Woodford, director at White Arkitekter, the architects leading on the nVCC, said: “The nVCC represents a new generation of healthcare design where environmental performance, clinical excellence and the human experience are given equal importance. It’s been a privilege to help shape a building that is not only one of the UK’s greenest cancer centres but also a restorative environment that promotes wellbeing for both patients and staff.”

The team discussed how the nVCC sets a new benchmark for low-carbon, high-performing healthcare facilities. Reducing environmental impact has been core to the project since day one, resulting in a building that will significantly outperform typical UK healthcare benchmarks, including low operational energy use and reduced embodied carbon.

Another key theme of the session was flexibility, ensuring that the nVCC can evolve and change alongside advances in cancer care. Flexible clinical spaces, smart digital infrastructure and adaptable layouts will allow the nVCC to better respond to changing patient needs and service models over time when needed.

Speakers also emphasised the importance of creating a building that supports everyone who uses it. The nVCC has been designed with the needs of patients, staff, families, and carers from the beginning. From easier navigation and better parking to therapeutic spaces and dedicated family areas, the new building will enhance comfort, dignity and the overall experience of care.

Alongside this, an innovative funding model and community benefit programme are helping to ensure the nVCC delivers long-term social value through local employment, skills development and community investment.