New Velindre Cancer Centre identified as priority by European Investment Bank
Plans for the new Velindre Cancer Centre are at the heart of a £230m scheme to transform the delivery of cancer care services across South Wales and is one of the schemes identified by the European Investment Bank as a investment priority in Wales.
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething and Vice President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Jonathan Taylor will today (Thursday February 9th) visit Velindre NHS Trust to see the plans for the new Velindre Cancer Centre.
Steve Ham, Chief Executive of Velindre NHS Trust said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome both Cabinet Secretaries and Jonathan Taylor to the Trust.
“The visit will provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the progress we have made, in conjunction with our Health Board colleagues, in developing plans for Non Surgical Cancer Services across South East Wales, and the key role the new Cancer Centre will play in the future delivery of our services.”
The Welsh Government has worked closely with the EIB to identify financing options for priority Welsh schemes; including the redevelopment of Velindre Cancer Centre, investment in sections five and six of the A465, band B of the 21st Century Schools and Education programme and the Housing Finance Grant 2 (HFG2).
The EIB is an active investor in the Welsh economy and has invested almost £2bn over the last 20 years in in a range of public and private sector projects, including water, aviation, the motor industry and housing stock.
Professor Drakeford said: “I’m pleased to welcome Jonathan Taylor to Cardiff to discuss the progress made with these schemes, which are being developed across Wales. It is also an opportunity to discuss the Welsh Government’s view about what our future relationship with the bank should look like once the UK leaves the EU.
“We are facing unprecedented challenges in terms of public finances so it is vitally important that we unlock all opportunities to boost investment in Welsh infrastructure. As a government we are focused on attracting investment from the EIB for our £2.5bn innovative finance schemes, including projects for affordable housing, transport, health and green growth. ”
Jonathan Taylor, European Investment Bank Vice President said: “The European Investment Bank has a strong track record supporting long-term investment across Wales that has included transformational education, water, energy, transport and social housing schemes.
“Close cooperation with the Welsh government and business partners across Wales is crucial to maximise the impact of EIB engagement.”