A new generation of construction prodigies visited the new Velindre Cancer Centre for its first Sacyr Sidekick day
New Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) project team’s children were invited along to the site to take part in the first Sacyr UK sidekick day.
Learning, laughs and lots of fun was the order of the day as eight children paid a visit to the project to learn what their parents do at work all day and learn all about construction.
Guided by Jo O’Keefe, Sacyr UK’s Community Benefits Coordinator, the sidekicks toured the office, got to wear PPE and learn about what their parents do on a project like nVCC. Jo was supported in escorting the children around site by Workforce Development Coordinator, Hannah Jenkins, and Community Benefits Apprentice, Sam Rees.
The nVCC, scheduled to open in Spring 2027, will deliver better outcomes through world-class cancer treatment, enhanced diagnostic capability and greater access to innovation, training and research.
The group enjoyed creative construction-based activities, from construction blocks and colouring for the younger children, to tetrahedron tower building using dowel rods and rubber bands for the older ones.
The sidekicks were also set a challenge to see who could create the most impressive structure with just dried pasta for the supports and marshmallows for the connecting joints.
The group was also given a tour of the site, allowing them to see the project coming to life. The Community Benefits team provided the sidekicks with a scavenger hunt – placing photos along the path for the children to hunt down, spelling out the word “Velindre”.
The sidekicks were also challenged to create seed bombs, small clay balls containing soil and wildflower seeds, for nVCC’s green areas.
The bombs were then thrown onto Maggie’s stockpile (named for the spot where charity Maggie’s will go on the site) - a large mound of earth moved during the initial construction phase of the project to make the topsoil for the surrounding green areas upon its completion. The seed bombs will aid in increasing pollination and improving biodiversity during the period of construction.
