A new cancer centre in Cardiff is on course to welcome its first patients by 2025, it has been confirmed. David Powell, project director for the new Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch, said the project is "still on programme".
The £180m cancer centre, which will be situated on land near the existing hospital called the Northern Meadows, has proved highly controversial with some community members and clinicians who believe it would be better off next to a larger hospital like the University Hospital of Wales (UHW).
Dozens of cancer experts claim not having Velindre co-located at UHW would be a "missed opportunity". They also said modern cancer treatments needed a range of services on site including a surgery and intensive care unit. The Save the Northern Meadows campaign group, which has held several protests, warned that current plans would have a massive impact on biodiversity in the area.
