Update on the former Whitchurch Hospital site

We want to update you on the next steps on the former Whitchurch Hospital site.

Velindre University NHS Trust became the legal owner of the Whitchurch Hospital buildings and surrounding land in November 2024, following a transfer from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

Since then, the Trust has undertaken important steps to ensure the site is safe and secure and begin planning for its future.

We can now confirm that our agents Savills, will support the work to invite interested parties to express their interest in the property as the first stage of the sale process. This is an initial open exercise, where interested parties will be able to express their interest in the potential acquisition of the property.

The site holds historical and emotional importance to many in our community, including the Trust who has been a neighbour since the Velindre Cancer Centre opened in 1956. The Trust is committed to acting as a responsible landowner and engaging openly with our partners and the community.

Director of Place, Portfolio and Partnerships at Velindre University NHS Trust Lauren Fear said: “The former Whitchurch Hospital site holds historical and emotional importance to many in our community. Since taking ownership, we have worked hard with several partners to ensure the site is safe, protected, and well-maintained while also planning for its long-term future. Listing the site for commercial sale is the next important step. We have engaged with key stakeholders over the summer, and we are committed to continuing open dialogue as we move forward.”

Following the transfer in November 2024, the Trust’s stewardship of the site has focused on three main areas of work demonstrating its commitment to being a responsible landowner:

Carrying out “make safe” works to the site
Preparing for the next steps of the site’s future
Engaging with tenants and neighbours

The Trust has brought in professional advisers and secured Welsh Government funding to carry out clearance, safety and other works associated with preparing the site for disposal. We have worked closely with Cardiff Council planning and heritage officers as part of this work.

In recent months, the Trust has been working with partners including Welsh Government and Cardiff Council to complete an outline Conservation Management Plan to inform the site’s future. This has included assessing the significance of listed buildings in collaboration with heritage experts and reviewing the local area master plan.

The Trust can confirm that the sports club tenants’ current leases are not at risk as part of this process, and their history and importance to the community will be emphasised to any potential parties throughout.

Alongside planning for the future, the Trust has made several improvements to security and safety across the site. This includes upgrades to entrance roads and pavements, vegetation clearance, litter management, and security improvements at the Whitchurch Chapel to protect its heritage.

As we move into this next stage, the Trust remains committed to:

Preserving the character and significance of this historic site
Supporting a process that considers local needs and the wider context of north Cardiff
Maintaining safety and good site management until any sale is concluded

The Trust is now arranging two public drop-in sessions over the next two months in Whitchurch to hear your views and answer any questions. We will share these dates as soon as possible.

We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the site being sold?

The site has been declared surplus to NHS operational requirements and is no longer needed for healthcare delivery. Velindre, with the support of Welsh Government, is now commercially disposing of the site in line with public sector processes.

Why couldn’t the new Velindre Cancer Centre have been built on the site?

At the start of this project, building on the old Whitchurch Hospital site was considered, however the site was not suitable to accommodate the requirements of the new Velindre Cancer Centre.

When was the site transferred to Velindre?

Ownership of the site transferred from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board to Velindre University NHS Trust in November 2024.

What has happened since then?

Carrying out “make safe” works

The Trust has commissioned professional advisers, secured Welsh Government funding, and progressed on clearance and safety works in line with Cardiff Council heritage and planning expectations. Further works are being developed to protect structures and prevent deterioration, in line with heritage obligations.

Preparing for next steps

Working with Welsh Government and Cardiff Council to complete an outline Conservation Management Plan.

Acting as a responsible landowner

Maintaining site security and safety, improving access roads and pavements, undertaking vegetation clearance and enhancing litter management.

Will the heritage of the buildings be protected?

The Trust has worked closely with Cardiff Council and other partners to assess the historical significance of buildings on the site. Any future development will need to comply with planning policies and heritage protections.

What’s happening with the sports clubs who use the site?

The Trust continues to engage with leaseholders, including local sports clubs, to understand their needs and ensure their views are heard as part of the ongoing planning and disposal process.

Members of the Trust have regularly met with these key stakeholders to keep them fully up to date of the process.

Will the public have a say in the future of the site?

There will be further opportunities for public engagement through the planning process once a buyer is in place.

What happens next?

Our agents Savills will commence a marketing campaign from October 9 2025, inviting interested parties to express their interest in the property as the first stage of the sale process. This is an open marketing exercise, where interested parties will be able to express their interest in the potential acquisition of the property.

As current legal owner, the Trust will make the final decision on any potential party who acquires the site.

Further updates will be provided as the process moves forward. Any development plans will be subject to the normal planning processes by Cardiff Council.

How can I find out more or ask a question?

Get in touch with our team at contact.velindre@wales.nhs.uk