Whitchurch Hospital resident drop-in update

Thank you to the almost 50 residents who attended our recent drop-in sessions to discuss the future of the Whitchurch Hospital site.

The team appreciate the time, questions and insights shared and we wanted to round-up some of the issues important to you when we consider expressions of interest.

We’re committed to being open and transparent as much as possible throughout this process. We hope you find the information below useful, and if you have any questions, please get in touch with the team at contact.velindre@wales.nhs.uk

Site use and future planning

Why couldn’t the site be kept for NHS use?
The former Whitchurch Hospital buildings are no longer suitable for modern clinical services, and there is no current NHS service requirement that could be delivered from the site. As part of our ongoing estate planning, the Trust is focusing investment on modern, purpose-built healthcare facilities, including our new Velindre Cancer Centre that’s scheduled to open Spring 2027.

Why aren’t the Whitchurch site and the current Velindre Cancer Centre site being considered together?
The two sites are at different stages and have different ownership and development routes.

Should the project wait for the new Local Development Plan?
The timing of the project is being discussed with Cardiff Council, with representatives from the council attending the recent drop-in. We recognise the importance of aligning with the emerging LDP, while also making sure that the site does not remain unused for longer than necessary.

Housing, density and affordable provision

Concerns about massing and density
We are in the first stage of a long process and no final proposals have been agreed. The feedback shared at the drop-ins reflects the need to balance housing need, community impact and wider planning.

What percentage will be affordable housing?
Affordable housing requirements will be set through Cardiff Council’s planning process. Any future developer will be expected to meet those requirements.

Traffic, access and local services

Will traffic increase with only one access road?
Traffic impact is a key issue that would need to be fully assessed as part of any planning application.

Pressure on GP and local services
 We recognise concerns about local service capacity. Cardiff Council wider stakeholders consider these issues as part of the planning process for all major developments.

Transparency and partnerships

Who has been involved so far and who will be involved going forward?
Early exploratory work has been undertaken by specialist consultants to inform the initial feasibility stages. Velindre has brought together a wide range of stakeholders and experts to get us to this first stage of the process.

Who will lead any sale, and how will partnership working be ensured?
Any future sale will follow NHS and Government guidance, with an emphasis on achieving public value and ensuring that the developer can work effectively with local partners.

Sports clubs

Sports clubs and lease length
We fully understand the importance of stability for the sports clubs and their importance to the wider community.

We will continue to work closely with the sports clubs, some of which attended the drop-ins, as part of the process. The importance of and relationships with the sports clubs, as leaseholders, is emphasised in the materials provided to any potential developer.

The sports pitches are designated for that use in planning terms, and also protected by CADW for heritage parks and gardens. 

Next steps

The next resident drop-in is scheduled for February 3 at 5pm to 6pm at the Noddfa building on 19 Park Road.