nVCC off-site habitat works

We want to update you as we start the next phase in our work to develop the new Velindre Cancer Centre.  

We have been preparing the site and carrying out essential targeted vegetation clearance which has been substantially completed.  

This work was carried out under a Natural Resources Wales licence. As part of the license to prepare the site, we are required to create new habitats for wildlife to enhance the level of habitat in the area and align with Natural Resources Wales’ key conservation objectives. 

New habitats and the enhancement of existing area of scrub and woodland will be created across nearby sites and improve habitat connectivity.  

Where are the habitats being created?  

They will be spread across different areas including: 

• meadowland and woodland to the northwest of the new cancer centre site including the slopes of the old railway cutting 

• land currently used by AFC Whitchurch football club and around the boundaries of the cricket pitch 

• The grange area of Whitchurch Hospital grounds. 

We have also been placing dormouse nesting boxes across some of these areas. 

What do the sports clubs say? 

We've been discussing with all relevant sports clubs throughout the process, and they support our plans. The Welsh Government, Cardiff Council and Cardiff and Vale University Health Board have also been key partners in these discussions. 

When will work start? 

We’re planning to start work in January.  

Work on the football and cricket pitch is due to start the week commencing January 8. We’ll also start work in the old railway cutting from January 10. This phase will necessitate felling large ash trees with Ash Die Back in the cutting from the newly built bridge up towards and past the McDonalds bridge. As part of this work, we’ll have marshals to guide pedestrians temporarily during the felling. This means we won’t have to close the Public Right of Way.  

For one day, on January 10, temporary four-way lights will be placed on Pendwyallt Road at the entrance to Lady Cory Field to safely deliver equipment into the railway cutting.    

We’ll keep you updated throughout the process and let you know of upcoming key dates. 

Why is this part of the project to build a new cancer centre?  

Developing the new cancer centre in the most sustainable way possible and mitigating our impact on the environment have always, and continue to be, key priorities at every stage of our process. We have made several decisions that reflect this, including our commitment that we retain 60% of the development site as landscape with a 40% built footprint. 

What will it look like?  

Our team has commissioned these images to give you an impression of what part of the new habitat will look like from the entrance to Clos Coed Hir. This is just an approximation of what it’ll look like once the habitat has developed over a longer period of up to 20 years.  

We will have our regular resident meeting in January where the team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have. If you’ve got any questions in the meantime, please get in touch at contact.velindre@wales.nhs.uk 

Thank you for your cooperation as we work to build the new Velindre Cancer Centre.