Dear residents,  

We wanted to let you know that an extension to the new Velindre Cancer Centre's extended working hours have been approved.   

The extension is in place until September 30, 2026 and relates only to specific internal mechanical and electrical (M&E) installation works and associated internal fit-out activities.  

The extension is to the project's previously approved Section 61 consent, so we wanted to reassure you that there are no significant changes to the types of works being undertaken.  

The approved extended working hours are:  

Monday to Friday: 6pm to 8pm  

Saturday: 1pm to 4pm  

These additional hours apply only to internal construction activities and are required to support the safe, efficient and timely delivery of the new Velindre Cancer Centre. As the works are taking place inside the building, disruption to the surrounding community is expected to be minimal.  

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact, Katie Hathaway, Stakeholder Engagement and Community Benefits Manager, at KHathaway@sacyr.com or 07763 203360. We are on hand to help with any queries and ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible for everyone. 

Thank you for your cooperation. 

On 19 July 2026, Team Velindre proudly took part in the inaugural Show Cancer the V event at Bute Park, Cardiff. Organised by Velindre Cancer Charity, the fun run brought together people of all ages and abilities to raise vital funds for cancer care across South East Wales. Participants could choose from 1.5km, 5km, or 10km routes, creating an inclusive and welcoming event that encouraged families, friends, colleagues, and supporters to get involved while promoting health, wellbeing, and community spirit. 

The event was a great success, bringing together hundreds of participants in support of those affected by cancer. Team Velindre was proud to be part of the occasion, helping to raise both awareness and funds for the Velindre Cancer Service, which supports more than 1.7 million people across the region. 

Supported by local communities and well-known participants, including former Wales rugby captain Sam Warburton, the day was filled with positivity, determination, and hope. The event highlighted the strength of community spirit and demonstrated the impact that collective efforts can have in supporting individuals and families affected by cancer. 

A sincere thank you to everyone who took part, volunteered, donated, or supported the event. Your contribution helped make the first Show Cancer the V a memorable and successful occasion, raising vital funds and helping to make a difference for people affected by cancer across South East Wales. 

Men's Sheds, in partnership with the New Velindre Cancer Centre, is celebrating a successful launch of its Share Shed project, marking an important step forward in supporting community wellbeing, sustainability, and social inclusion in the local area. 

The launch event attracted significant interest from local residents and supporters, despite taking place alongside the popular Splottfest celebrations, where a busy programme of live music and entertainment competed for attention. Even with these challenges, the project received a positive response, with many visitors keen to learn more about the Share Shed and the opportunities it offers for community involvement. 

The Share Shed initiative aims to bring people together through sharing, volunteering, and practical activities that promote both environmental sustainability and social connection. The project has already demonstrated its potential to create meaningful community engagement and provide a welcoming space for people from a wide range of backgrounds. 

Building on this early success, the partnership will be hosting a sharing session next week with Action for Children Cymru. This event is expected to be the first step in what both organisations hope will become a long-term and impactful relationship. The collaboration will focus on supporting young people by introducing them to the Share Shed and the opportunities available through volunteering and community participation. 

One of the key ambitions of the partnership is to help young people develop practical skills, confidence, and experience that could support future employment opportunities. By becoming involved with the Share Shed, participants will have the chance to engage in meaningful activities while building connections within their community. 

The success of the launch has provided a strong foundation for future growth, and Men's Sheds and the New Velindre Cancer Centre are excited to continue developing the project. With new partnerships already emerging and plans to support more people through community engagement, the Share Shed is quickly becoming a valuable local resource with the potential to deliver lasting social benefits.

We welcomed Baroness Smith of Llanfaes, Carmen Smith, to Cardiff for a roundtable discussion focused on the future of young people and employment in Wales. 

As part of the Industry and Parliament Trust programme, Baroness Smith met with employers and organisations from across Wales to hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges facing young people entering the workforce. 

The discussion explored a range of important topics, including the changing jobs market, future skills requirements, barriers to employment, support for disabled young people, and the role that businesses, educational institutions and government can play in creating better pathways into work. 

A key theme throughout the roundtable was the importance of collaboration. Participants highlighted that the most effective solutions will come from sharing experiences, learning from one another and working together to create greater opportunities for the next generation. 

We would like to thank Baroness Smith for taking the time to listen and engage so openly with attendees, as well as everyone who contributed their insights and experiences to the discussion. We also extend our thanks to The Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff, for hosting the event.

The New Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) recently welcomed members of the local council for a site visit, providing an opportunity to learn more about the development and see first-hand the progress being made on site. 

The visit began with a presentation from Vincenzo Nigro, Katie Hathaway and Elena Castro Blanco, who shared insights into the vision behind the new facility and how it differs from a traditional hospital or cancer centre. Attendees heard how the design has been carefully shaped around the patient experience, with features such as increased natural light, accessible balconies, spacious day areas and a public restaurant, all aimed at creating a more welcoming and less isolating environment for patients and their families. 

The team also discussed the project's commitment to health and safety, environmental responsibility as well as community engagement. Council members were shown how the development is working to benefit local communities, integrate with its surroundings and preserve the natural environment wherever possible. 

A question-and-answer session followed, giving visitors the chance to raise any concerns and gain further reassurance about the new facility and its wider impact. 

Following the presentation, council members were provided with the appropriate PPE before taking part in a guided tour of the site. Led by Vincenzo Nigro and Elena Castro Blanco, alongside representatives from the Community Benefits Team, the tour showcased several key areas of the project. 

Visitors explored the treatment bunkers, where MRI equipment will eventually be housed, and visited the Lolfa and roof areas to see how vital plant and machinery are protected and positioned above critical operational spaces. The tour highlighted both the scale of the development and the careful planning that underpins the facility's design and operation. 

The visit concluded with a recap of the areas visited and a final opportunity for questions, allowing council members to reflect on what they had seen and learn more about the progress being made towards delivering this important healthcare facility. 

Entrepreneurial Academy candidate Mia Harris recently welcomed ITV News to the site as part of a feature highlighting her inspiring journey from cancer patient to aspiring entrepreneur. Drawing on her own experience of receiving treatment for leukemia, Mia has developed a business concept focused on creating accessible clothing for patients undergoing hospital treatment. Her innovative designs aim to allow medical access for treatment and monitoring without the need to cut, remove or damage clothing, helping patients maintain both comfort and dignity throughout their care journey. Through the support of the Entrepreneurial Academy, Mia has worked to develop the commercial viability of her idea, exploring product development, manufacturing opportunities and routes to market. 

During the visit, ITV filmed activities taking place within the programme and interviewed Entrepreneurial Course Leader Dan Biddle, who spoke about his passion for supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and the long-term impact the course is designed to have on participants. Dan highlighted how the academy equips individuals with the practical skills, confidence and business knowledge needed to transform personal experiences and innovative ideas into viable enterprises. Mia’s story was showcased as an example of how entrepreneurship can be used to create meaningful solutions to real-world challenges while generating positive social impact. 

Following the classroom interviews, ITV accompanied Mia along the site’s walking route to capture additional interviews and B-roll footage against the backdrop of the developing nVCC site. The footage highlighted both Mia’s entrepreneurial journey and the significant progress being made across the site, providing viewers with a sense of the scale and ambition of the facility. The feature also recognised the support provided by Sacyr, whose involvement has helped create an environment where initiatives such as the Entrepreneurial Academy can inspire and support current and future generations of entrepreneurs. 

Sacyr is pleased to share an update from Lisvane Men’s Shed, a local charity that has been making a positive difference to men’s mental health and wellbeing in the community for the past five years. 

Operating from a cabin and container facility in the car park of the Ty Mawr Inn, Lisvane Men’s Shed currently faces an uncertain future regarding its premises. The group’s existing lease is limited to five years, with a one-month notice period that could require relocation at any time. To secure the charity’s long-term future, significant fundraising efforts are underway while discussions continue with Cardiff Council regarding a potential new location. 

This uncertainty is placing pressure on the charity’s finances, as resources that would normally support day-to-day operations are increasingly being directed towards securing a permanent home. As a result, the organisation faces challenges in maintaining activities that are central to its members’ experience, including community excursions, transport provision, and the upkeep and replacement of woodworking tools and machinery. 

The charity has also identified several essential training requirements to ensure the safety and sustainability of its services. These include First Aid training for three members through the British Red Cross. 

Lisvane Men’s Shed was established to provide a safe, welcoming environment where men can meet, build friendships and support one another through companionship and shared activities. With South Wales experiencing some of the highest rates of male suicide in the UK, the Shed’s mission is to help combat isolation, loneliness and poor mental health by creating opportunities for men to connect "shoulder to shoulder" while taking part in practical woodworking projects. 

The workshop environment encourages conversation, laughter, mutual support and the sharing of experiences in a relaxed and informal setting. Many members find that working alongside others helps them open up about challenges they may not otherwise discuss, contributing to improved wellbeing, stronger social connections and a greater sense of belonging. 

Despite the challenges associated with securing a new permanent site, Lisvane Men’s Shed remains committed to its mission and continues to provide a valuable community resource. The charity’s ongoing fundraising efforts and investment in training will play a vital role in ensuring that it can continue supporting local men and promoting positive mental health outcomes across the community for many years to come. 

Sacyr wishes the team every success as they work towards securing their future and continuing their important contribution to community wellbeing. 

This past month, we were joined by the Entrepreneurial Academy, led by Dan Biddle and supported by Harrison Fairclough and Disability Academy Assistant Aash Nash at the New Velindre Cancer Centre. The programme exceeded expectations and showcased the incredible potential of individuals who may have previously faced barriers to employment or been overlooked by the labour market. Participants arrived with a diverse range of business ideas that were not only commercially viable but also focused on creating meaningful social impact and improving the lives of others. 

Throughout the course, it was inspiring to watch participants develop their confidence, skills and entrepreneurial mindset. Business concepts included adaptable clothing for patients undergoing therapy, wheelchair sport schemes, blind employment initiatives aimed at creating greater opportunities for visually impaired individuals, lingerie and jewellery designed to support women who have experienced trauma and personal challenges, climate change mitigation engineering solutions, sensory room developments, volunteer-led charities, and many more socially driven ventures. Every participant successfully graduated from the academy and is now continuing to develop their business ideas, demonstrating the lasting impact of the programme and its contribution to fostering innovation, inclusion and opportunity within our community. 

Today, the Summer Jamboree was delighted to welcome renowned Marvel and DC Comics artist Mike Collins. He was greeted by the Sacyr and Noddfa Community Benefits Team as he prepared to lead a comic design workshop for local young people. 

Mike delivered an engaging and inspiring session, explaining a variety of techniques used by professional comic artists to quickly plan character designs, layouts, and poses. Some of his methods included using simple stick figures as a foundation for body positioning, experimenting with letters and shapes to create unique character designs, and even placing random dots on a page to help determine character poses and composition. 

He also demonstrated how simple backgrounds and framing techniques can dramatically improve storytelling. For example, using a smaller cityscape behind a character can emphasise their scale, while dynamic lines and angles can create a sense of speed and motion. 

Later in the workshop, Mike shared examples from his professional portfolio, showcasing impressive comic panels and storyboard work. Highlights included a single-frame depiction of Neil Armstrong's life story and storyboards created for Doctor Who. He explained how storyboarding is used throughout the industry to plan scene choreography, camera angles, and visual storytelling before filming begins. 

Following the demonstrations, participants were invited to create their own characters using the techniques Mike had introduced. The session gave young people a valuable insight into the creative process behind comic books and visual storytelling, while encouraging them to develop their own artistic skills and imagination. 

The workshop was a fantastic success, inspiring the next generation of artists and storytellers through hands-on learning and expert guidance from one of the industry's most respected comic creators.

New Velindre Cancer Center - Newsletter 9

Grangetown Nursery benefited from the renewal and restoration of its school garden, an initiative driven and supported by FP Hurley as part of its commitment to supporting local schools and communities. Undertaken in recent weeks, the work focused on improving the condition and appearance of the garden, creating a more welcoming and functional outdoor environment for pupils and staff. A sterling job was carried out in transforming the space and ensuring it could be fully utilised by the school community. 

The restoration has transformed the garden into a more engaging area that can be used for outdoor learning, play and social interaction. By enhancing the space, pupils now have access to a stimulating environment that supports their development, wellbeing and connection with nature, while also complementing classroom activities and enriching the overall learning experience. 

To build on these improvements, plans are in place to introduce additional outdoor furniture that will further increase the functionality of the garden and provide dedicated areas for learning, group activities and relaxation. These additions will help maximise the use of the space and ensure that pupils and staff continue to benefit from a high-quality outdoor environment.

Students from Bryn y Deryn School recently visited the site to take part in a bricklaying workshop delivered by our Falcon 3 contractors, designed to inspire an interest in construction and help learners begin developing practical skills within the industry. 

The visit began with an introduction and presentation on the nVCC project, where learners explored the different stages of construction, modern methods of building, and the importance of sustainability within the project. Discussions also focused on the wide range of careers available in construction and challenged common stereotypes associated with the industry. 

This was followed by a health and safety presentation, highlighting the importance of safe working practices and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) on a construction site. 

Students were then introduced to members of the Falcon team, who led the bricklaying workshop. The group received a practical demonstration of correct bricklaying techniques, including the safe and effective use of a trowel and mortar. 

The class showed immediate enthusiasm and eagerness to begin the workshop and quickly developed their skills under the guidance of the Falcon team. Learners engaged positively throughout the session, gaining confidence and demonstrating impressive progress in a short period of time. 

Two students in particular showed exceptional aptitude and enthusiasm. The Falcon team commented that, had they been of working age, they would have been strong candidates for site-based roles. Instead, they were encouraged to explore bricklaying apprenticeships, construction-related college courses, and future career opportunities within the industry that are appropriate to their age and stage of education. 

The visit provided a valuable hands-on learning experience, helping learners gain a greater understanding of construction, develop practical skills, and explore potential career pathways within the sector.

Two members of the Community Benefits Team recently visited St Mary’s Gardens in Old Church Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff, to meet with volunteers from the Friends of St Mary’s Gardens and learn more about the ongoing restoration of this important community space. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the group's achievements, current challenges, and potential areas of future support, including the possible replacement or refurbishment of the gate at the rear of the former graveyard to improve access, security, and the overall appearance of the site.

St Mary’s Gardens occupies the historic site of the original St Mary’s Church and graveyard, which served the local community for more than 500 years. After the church was replaced in 1885 and demolished in 1904, the site fell into a prolonged period of neglect and became increasingly overgrown. Following Cardiff Council’s takeover in 1972, the area was transformed into a public garden, carefully retaining key heritage features such as aligned gravestones and mature trees. Officially opened in 1974, the gardens later received recognition through a Wales in Bloom award. However, in the decades that followed, reduced maintenance led to a decline in the condition of the site, accompanied by anti-social behaviour and a decrease in community use.

In response, local residents took action in 2017 to help restore and revitalise the gardens. Initially led by members of the Whitchurch Women’s Institute and working in partnership with Cardiff Council’s Parks Department, their efforts resulted in the formal establishment of the Friends of St Mary’s Gardens in 2019.

Today, the volunteer-led organisation coordinates around 20 regular volunteers and plays a vital role in maintaining and improving the half-acre site. The group raises awareness and funding, supports ongoing maintenance activities, and works to enhance both the historical significance and biodiversity of the gardens, ensuring they remain a valued community asset.

A recent £1,000 Thrive Grant has further strengthened these efforts by funding secure storage and essential gardening equipment. This investment has enabled authorised volunteers to undertake maintenance activities between organised work sessions, helping to sustain progress and increase community ownership of the space.

Through the dedication of its volunteers and the support of local partners, the Friends of St Mary’s Gardens have successfully transformed the site into a safe, welcoming, and thriving green space. Their work continues to balance the preservation of the gardens’ rich heritage with the needs of the local community, creating benefits for residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.

New Velindre Cancer Centre - Summary Monitoring Report - August 2026

We were delighted to welcome Ruby Gallimore to our offices and the new Velindre Cancer Centre project this week as part of her work experience placement. 

During her time with us, Ruby worked alongside our Community Benefits Team and colleagues from Optimum Contractors, gaining valuable insight into the construction industry and the importance of community engagement within major infrastructure projects. Throughout the week, she demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism, and a willingness to get involved in a variety of activities, quickly becoming a valued member of the team. 

Ruby's placement provided her with real-world experience in a live construction environment, while also giving her the opportunity to engage with senior industry professionals, including Optimum Managing Director Simon Britton. She also supported community outreach activities and played a leading role in delivering a STEM session at a local school, helping to inspire the next generation of young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 

As part of her placement, Ruby worked closely with Community Benefits Assistant Harrison Fairclough to help compile a media project for Sacyr, designed to showcase the success of the Entrepreneurial Academy and highlight the positive impact the programme continues to have on young people across the region. 

The experience allowed Ruby to develop new skills, build confidence, and gain a broader understanding of the wide range of career opportunities available within construction, project delivery, and community engagement. We are proud to support work experience opportunities that help young people gain meaningful workplace exposure and develop skills that will benefit them in their future education and careers. 

We would like to thank Ruby for her hard work and positive attitude throughout the week and wish her every success in the future.

Watch last month's construction progress!

Students from The Marion Centre at Bishop of Llandaff Church-in-Wales High School in Cardiff enjoyed a visit to the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), where they learned about construction and the careers it offers.

Organised by Careers Wales Business Engagement Advisor, Adrien Cole and supported by Sacyr UK’s Community Benefits Team, the visit welcomed students of varying ages and learning needs. 

Joanne O’Keefe, Community Benefits Coordinator, delivered an interactive presentation introducing students to the history of the project and the journey of the new Velindre Cancer Centre, from the initial planning stages to construction and the vision for the completed facility. Students also discovered the many career opportunities within the construction industry, including roles such as builders, electricians, plumbers, engineers and architects.

A key focus of the session was sustainability, with students learning about innovative construction materials such as hempcrete, timber and gabion stone, alongside the project’s commitment to protecting local wildlife, habitats and biodiversity throughout the build.

Following the presentation, students donned their protective equipment (PPE) and, after a safety briefing, went out for a guided site tour with their teachers and members of the project team. Seeing the construction site in action brought the presentation to life, with students seeing plant machinery, construction activities and environmental protection measures, including wildlife safeguarding and the management of invasive plant species.

The day concluded with an engaging hands-on electrical circuit board demonstration delivered by sub-contractor FP Hurley Electrical, giving students the opportunity to explore practical skills used within the industry.

The visit was a valuable and enjoyable experience, with many students leaving inspired by the range of opportunities available within construction. 

Watch last month's construction progress!

New Velindre Cancer Centre - Summary Monitoring Report - July 2026

Joanne O’Keefe, Community Benefits Co-ordinator and Harrison Fairclough, Community Benefits Assistant at Sacyr UK partnered with Careers Wales to deliver their mock interview programme, which provides students with practice interviews and personalised feedback to help them prepare for future employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

As part of this initiative, staff from Sacyr UK and Careers Wales visited Nantgwyn School to support Year 10 students in developing their professional interview skills and exploring potential career pathways. Students were grouped according to their career interests, with particular focus on those aspiring to pursue careers in engineering.

During the mock interview sessions, students were assessed on a range of professional competencies, including communication, presentation, confidence, completion of CVs and information sheets. Their ability to articulate their skills, ambitions, and long term career aspirations were also assessed. The interviews explored the student’s predicted grades, long-term ambitions, and the pathways needed to progress into their engineering fields.

The overall standard demonstrated by the students was highly impressive, with many displaying strong self-awareness, professionalism, and a clear understanding of their future ambitions. Several candidates stood out for their enthusiasm, confidence, and detailed knowledge of the engineering sectors they hope to pursue, alongside predicted academic achievements aligned with their career goals. 

As a result, opportunities are currently being explored for a select number of students to gain further industry exposure through potential site visits or volunteering opportunities at the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) site, helping to enhance their practical experience and support their ongoing professional development.