The ACORN consortium, led by Kajima, the pan-European property investor, developer, and asset manager, alongside Sacyr, Abrdn, and the Development Bank of Wales, has achieved financial close for the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff, Wales, UK.

Velindre Cancer Centre is being constructed in alignment with the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and is poised to emerge as one of the UK's most sustainable hospitals. As a component of Velindre University NHS Trust’s Transforming Cancer Services in South East Wales Programme, the new hospital aims to offer patients and caregivers top-notch, sustainable healthcare services. It will prioritize effective treatments while also spearheading cancer patient care education, research, and innovation on national and international levels.

The funding consortium comprises Aviva Investors, Siemens, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, CaixaBank, Norinchukin, Nomura, and Nord/LB. Sacyr UK has been selected as the primary contractor, with construction slated to commence in April 2024. The Cancer Centre is scheduled to open its doors in April 2027. This project, aiming for BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, is designed to be fully electric, promoting low energy consumption and operational carbon emissions. A waste reduction strategy is in place, utilizing offsite manufacturing to minimize transportation and enhance construction and maintenance efficiencies. The design, led by White Arkitekter, prioritizes minimal site disruption, with a landscape strategy focused on preserving existing habitats and creating new ones, such as a Welsh apple orchard and a community kitchen garden. Additionally, the project aims to provide informal recreational areas for play, walking, cycling, and relaxation.