The Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital (CCRH) project will bring together clinical expertise from Addenbrooke’s Hospital and leading scientists from the University of Cambridge in a new state-of-the-art facility.

Designed by NBBJ, the project is part of the Government’s New Hospital Programme and its commitment to build 48 new hospitals by 2030, backed by an initial £3.7 billion in government funding.

The CCRH will be based on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub of innovation and home to key organisations in the life sciences, working to translate research from bench to the bedside. Conceived by a partnership between Cambridge University Hospitals, the University of Cambridge, and the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre (CRUK CC), the project is seen as aligning with the ambitions set out in both the Government’s Life Sciences Vision and the NHS Long Term Plan.

“This represents a big milestone in building Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital that will be a world-class facility in the heart of one of Europe’s largest biomedical research centres,” said Professor Richard Gilbertson, research lead for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and head of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Oncology. 

"The collaboration between patients, physicians and scientists in the new hospital will undoubtedly change the way cancer is treated for the better, across the region, the UK and the world.”

Working with patients

Current and former cancer patients are working on Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital throughout its build journey, sharing thoughts and ideas based on their own lived experience. The project team are also engaging with staff and carers from across the East of England to help shape how the facility might look and feel.

Dr Hugo Ford, clinical lead for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and director of cancer services at Cambridge University Hospitals, said: “I’m delighted that we’ve taken the first step towards making our plans a reality for CCRH. Our focus on the early diagnosis of cancer and personalised medicine will provide world-leading care, which will benefit patients from across the East of England.

“It’s really important to us that the building feels more like a welcoming, calm and healing space rather than just a standard clinical environment.”

The new hospital also aims to be a champion in sustainability, and will seek to be low-carbon and electric-powered, helping the NHS deliver on its net-zero aspirations.

The process is now underway to appoint a construction partner to build the seven-storey 26,000m² facility next to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, AstraZeneca, and Royal Papworth Hospital.

The University of Cambridge is working with Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust to secure further philanthropic donations for the project.

The outline business case for the new hospital was submitted in October last year. The full business case will now be worked on and developed throughout this year, with construction expected to start in 2024.