Sacyr UK, the contractor building the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), recently welcomed more than 200 NHS staff for tours of the construction site.
The visits, organised in partnership with Velindre University NHS Trust, brought together a diverse group of colleagues from across the organisation.
Staff including doctors, nurses, radiographers, physicists, to IT and digital teams, innovation leads, charity staff, patient representatives and volunteers had the opportunity to see the nVCC up close. For many, it was their first glimpse of the state-of-the-art centre that will soon become their workplace.
Opening in Spring 2027, the nVCC will deliver better outcomes through world-class cancer treatment, enhanced diagnostic capability and greater access to innovation, training and research.
The visits across three days marks a significant milestone for Sacyr UK, highlighting to Velindre staff how the new centre will transform cancer care for people in south Wales and beyond. It also provided an opportunity to showcase the nVCC's sustainable design, construction progress and the broader community impact of the project.
Among the most inspiring moments were personal stories shared by young team members whose lives have been positively shaped through their involvement in the project. One such story came from Megan, an 18-year-old trainee slinger who is learning how to safely attach loads to lifting equipment and guide crane operators during lifting operations using signals and communication tools.
Megan spoke about how stepping into this role has boosted her confidence and given her a growing sense of purpose as she builds her skills on site. Kailim, who joined Sacyr UK at 17 through an Into Work programme, spoke candidly about how the opportunity helped him transition from living in a hostel to securing full-time employment and his own home. From repurposing a shipping container during unpaid work experience to becoming the youngest member of the construction team, Kailim’s journey is a powerful example of what real community benefit looks like.
Katie Hathaway, Sacyr Stakeholder Engagement and Community Benefits Manager said:
“This isn’t just about building the UK’s most sustainable cancer centre, it’s about building sustainable futures and resilient communities in the city we call home. It was wonderful to show the staff around the site so they can see how much progress has been made.”
Velindre University NHS Trust Chief Executive David Donegan said:
“This is a real example of partnership and future generations being supported in the here and now.”
Velindre University NHS Trust Executive Director Strategic Transformation, Planning and Digital and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Carl James said:
“We’ve had really good feedback from those who visited, and the excitement of the opportunity is really starting to build.”
