Please be advised that the concrete works scheduled for tonight have been postponed and will now take place tomorrow night (7 May 6pm to 8am). This decision was made to ensure that all preparatory works are completed to provide optimal workability, placement, and curing conditions.
As per our communications last week, these schedules could be subject to change and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 
 

We want to express our gratitude for your patience this week during the overnight concrete pouring, necessary due to the high temperatures. Your understanding and support as we construct the new Velindre Cancer Centre are greatly appreciated.
 
We also extend our sincere thanks to the hardworking team for their dedication and commitment to managing such challenging concrete pours.
 
In appreciation of your understanding, we have decided not to work extended hours tomorrow and will finish construction works at 1pm. No works will take place from 1pm tomorrow (Saturday May 3) until Tuesday, May 6 at 8am. 

We sincerely apologise for the disruption caused by the construction works last night (April 28/29) including disturbance caused by a loud horn. 
We understand that the works had a significant impact on nearby residents, and we deeply regret any inconvenience caused. 

We had intended to share an update on the website ahead of the works but due to technical difficulties we were unable to access the website. We acknowledge that the use of the loud horn was a disturbance to the community, and have advised the Construction team accordingly. 

Moving forward, the Construction team will endeavour to use an alternative method to ensure communication during night minimise noise and disruption to residents.
 
Additionally, we would like to clarify that the late-night works were necessary due to abnormally high temperatures, which made it essential to pour concrete during specific hours to avoid potential problems such as cracking. 

We wanted to let you know that our construction team will be working extended hours on specific occasions during the next two weeks.
The current scheduled dates, with the possibility of minor adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances, are: 
 
- Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 (06pm - 08am)
- Thursday, May 1st, 2025 (06pm - 04am)
- Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 (06pm - 08am)
 
*Please keep in mind that these times are approximate and may vary based on ambient and concrete temperature.
 
These works have been approved under item 5 of the granted consent Section 61. Please click here to see the up to date Section 61 document.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and we greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this period.
 
We value our relationship with the local community and will strive to do better in the future. 
In the interim, please contact Katie Hathaway on khathaway@sacyr.com. 

Should any issues arise during the night, please contact:
Project Manager Hugo Pou Lopez – 07902 159903
Works Manager Antonio Gomez Alonso – 07860 378661

Staff from Sacyr UK, the contractor building the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), were visited by Lighthouse, the Construction Charity to help raise awareness of the services available to them should they need it. 

Lighthouse is a charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to those in the construction industry, as well as their families. Construction is recognised as one of the UK’s industries that has one of the highest rates of suicide, with statistics showing that every working day in the UK at least two construction workers take their own lives. Also stress, depression or anxiety accounts for 20% of all work-related illness in the construction industry. 

That’s why Sacyr UK invited Ceryn Turner, Partnership Manager of the Lighthouse Charity for Wales and the South West, to visit the nVCC site. She chatted to the site team about the work Lighthouse does and about the 24/7 helpline it provides, which offers help and advice on wellbeing issues from mental health to financial support, as well as a ‘Self Support App’ for construction workers to have easy access to expert advice.

Gordon Emerson, Sacyr UK’s Health and Safety Manager at nVCC, said: “We are extremely grateful to receive a visit from the Lighthouse to chat through the shocking statistics about our industry and tell them about their charitable support and services. 

“It’s important that our employees are well looked after, both physically and mentally, and are aware of the services available to them should they be struggling with their emotional, physical, or financial wellbeing.” 

Ceryn Turner, Partnership Manager of the Lighthouse charity in Wales and the South West, said: “It was great to meet so many of the site team at nVCC and talk them through the issues we are seeing in the industry, as well as chatting to them about anything they are concerned about. 

“As a charity, it is great that contractors like Sacyr UK offer time for site workers to come and chat to us so we can let them know that there is immediate help available should they need it. We are just a phone call or a click away and here to help as much as we can.”

For more information about Lighthouse, visit: https://www.lighthouseclub.org/free-24-7-support/.”

Sacyr UK, the contractor building the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), has shared its first employability success story since its new online community platform was launched, helping a local man get his first step on the career ladder. 

Ben Shears, aged 19 from Fairwater, Cardiff, started his job as an electrical apprentice for Wysepower having applied for the job via the Sacyr UK platform. The platform, which helps create social value as well as work more collaboratively with the local community in and around nVCC, is available to anyone aged 14 and over and provides a space where people can do everything from build their CV and access job boards, to offering tutorials across a range of subjects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

Wysepower is the UK’s top provider of sustainable and high-quality temporary site services and during his apprenticeship Ben will attend Cardiff and Vale College one day a week and during the other four days he will gain lots of hands-on experience, on site, whilst being mentored by qualified electricians to help develop his practical skills. 

On his new appointment, Ben said: “I’m looking forward to starting my new job as an electrical apprentice at WysePower and am ready to learn lots of new skills which will help me build my career for the future.

“I’m grateful to Sacyr UK for its platform which allowed me to apply for this job and believe it is a really positive initiative for other local people looking to develop their career.”

Tony Crook, Wysepower’s South West England and South Wales Manager, said “Ben is the second apprentice Wysepower have taken on from the Cardiff region this year. Both our apprentices have been found through Sacyr UK community engagement initiatives and we are very grateful to be involved in a project with such a unique and forward thinking team”.

Katie Hathaway, Sacyr’s UK stakeholder engagement and community benefits manager at nVCC, said: “It’s wonderful to see our community platform is already making a tangible difference following Wysepower’s appointment of Ben. We hope to see lots more stories like this and we’re looking forward to more people making the most of our platform to help them gain new opportunities and skills.

“We will also be looking to develop the platform further as more people use it and hope it will continue to bring a great range of benefits to our local community and in the wider South Wales area.”

When it comes to diversity at the new Velindre Cancer Centre project, the team is a living example of what can be achieved, bucking national trends across the board.

Thirty percent of the project management team are female - double the national average of other construction projects. 

Five percent of the site team, those working on actually building the nVCC, are female – while the national average for construction projects is 1%. 

We also have a very diverse age range working on site here in Whitchurch, with people from four generations working on site and in our offices. 

There are also 12 different nationalities working on the project, from as far afield as Philippines and Columbia to those people who live just a few miles away. 

And these are just our statistics for people who work directly for Sacyr UK, the main contractor that is building the Centre, and Acorn, the consortium that has financially backed the project. It does not include any of the hundreds of people who work for the tens of sub-contractor companies who are also employed on the project. 

Katie Hathaway, Sacyr UK’s stakeholder engagement and community benefits manager at nVCC, said: “It is great to see our diversity policy in action here at the new Velindre Cance Centre. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds and ages to come and work for us as a diverse workforce, as doing so boosts our innovation and attracts new talent into our industry. 

“We have recently spoken about one of our sub-contractors’ crane operators, Barry who is now 73 and still working here on site. The experience and knowledge he brings to the project, as well as to his colleagues at MPS is second to none.”

Katie added: “Many people believe that initiatives such as Women in Construction Week aren’t worth promoting, but here at Sacyr UK and the nVCC we are feeling the benefits of having a diverse workforce every day and long may it continue.”
 

Staff from Sacyr UK, the contractor building the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC), were visited by the Trust last month for a tour of the current site. 

The Trust is responsible for supervising the governance framework and ensuring effective control, including management risks and their key role involve making key decisions on the overall operations to ensure that safety is maintained for the staff, patients and people who will live local to the new nVCC.

Around 90 members of the Trust attended, including six groups of Velindre staff ranging from oncologists to volunteers, as well as parents of children who attend schools nearby, where the design of the project was discussed as well as the community initiatives that Sacyr UK will be supporting. 

The visit was initiated by Sacyr UK to highlight the sustainable elements of the project, where not only will the cancer centre itself be environmentally conscious, but also the community projects the nVCC will be supporting.

Going forward, Sacyr UK is in the process of arranging visits for local schools to make pupils aware of the project and to educate them on its development.

Carlos Acuna, Design Manager of the nVCC project, said: “This has been a great opportunity to show people from the Trust around the site - particularly those who are going to work here and live nearby. This is my thirty-first healthcare project in my career as a design manager and it was great to help lead on the day, especially to highlight and discuss sustainability at the new Velindre Cancer Centre. It’s really important to make people aware of this, as it will be a great opportunity to have a lasting impact on the local community and future generations.

“We’re anticipating the next Trust visit will be towards the end of the summer or beginning of Autumn when the build will be watertight. I’m looking forward to showcasing the progress we will have achieved by this time.”

On Tuesday 11th February, Sacyr hosted a ‘Meet the Partner’ Event in the classroom at the nVCC site.  The event provided an excellent opportunity to learn more about our industry partners, provide information to help them understand how they can achieve their social value targets, create a space for engaging in meaningful discussions, and plan for future collaborations.  

We had 25 guests in attendance including new contractors, support agencies and delivery partners.  We discussed the importance of social value and community benefits and the increased impact and influence that can be made when we work together.  

The event commenced with an enlightening and moving presentation from Kate Hammond from the Velindre NHS Trust which reminded us all of the importance of the new Velindre Cancer Centre and the unquestionable impact it’s services will have on patients and their families.

We listened to very helpful presentations from Cardiff and Vale College, Working Options, CITB, Llamau, The Busy Group, Sphere Solutions, 2B Enterprising, Blue Water Recruitment, Y Prentis and People Plus. Hannah, Jo and Katie from the Sacyr Community Benefits Team also outlined the support on offer from the team in terms of workforce development and school/STEM engagement along with highlighting the new Acorn/Sacyr Community Platform as an essential tool for communication, receiving relevant updates and reporting. 

Feedback from attendees was extremely positive and conversations about how we can forge effective partnerships have continued outside of the classroom which was one of our aims!

We want to inform community residents that our construction team will be working extended hours 6pm to 10pm during the rest of the current and upcoming week (w.e. 17 March and w.c. 24th March) for activities and timeframes within the item 4 in the granted consent s61.

On Thursday 20th March, we will be working throughout the night to allow for a third party on behalf of Welsh Water to carry out the connection of a water main supply which crosses the new Velindre Construction Site. 

We apologise for the disruption and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

Thank you for your patience.

Sacyr welcomed Joanne O'Keefe to the community benefits team working on the new Velindre Cancer Centre project, and since the moment she arrived, she has been an absolute superstar. Joanne has taken everything in her stride and has already made a significant impact on several projects.

Joanne brings extensive experience as a qualified secondary school teacher and experienced trainer. In her previous role, she served as the Apprentice and Graduate Coordinator for RCT County Borough Council. With a background in education, careers, and employability support, as well as event organisation, business recruitment, stakeholder engagement and project management, Joanne will play a vital role in ensuring the successful delivery of the KPIs associated to STEM engagement as well as focusing on apprenticeship targets.

The process to recruit a Community Benefits apprentice to the team has also begun and the Sacyr team are busy sifting through applications for this brand-new role.  The apprentice will be working closely with the team on their day-to-day tasks but specifically they will have a key responsibility for the monitoring and maintenance of the community platform, supporting school events and on-site activities and contributing to key reporting through data analysis and breakdown.

In a heartwarming gesture of support for the local community, Sacyr has donated essential equipment to Channel View Leisure Centre in a bid to help improve the facilities available to residents. The newly equipped Community Room 5 will now serve as a dedicated space for a local charity that supports children in the area with their education.

The space was filled with the generous donations of 12 desks, computer chairs, pedestals, and 12 laptops, providing valuable resources for the children in need. Ali Abdi, a dedicated community advocate and activist, played a crucial role as the dot joiner to make this donation possible.

Sacyr organised the delivery of the equipment and provided skilled handymen to assemble the items, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all involved. Ali Abdi expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thanks once again for the generous commitment and look forward to putting smiles on the faces of the local community."

This generous donation from Sacyr and the dedicated efforts of Ali Abdi highlight the power of community collaboration and support. 

Sacyr were thrilled to be invited to the official opening of Adref on Friday, 24th January. This was the newest supported YMCA accommodation project dedicated to young people aged 18–24 at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It was a very special event where Jo Stevens, Secretary of State officiated the opening and residents moved into Adref in February. Sacyr with the support of two supply chain partners at Wysepower and Monex came together to ensure each apartment was fully equipped to provide a welcoming, safe, and functional home. Through the generosity of our team, we were able to provide new microwave ovens, bedding and kitchen utensils for the eighteen apartments to make a direct and lasting impact on the young people we support.

Jade Morgan, Director of Income Generation at YMCA said “I just wanted to extend a heartfelt thank you for attending the opening event for Adref today. Your presence and engagement made the occasion really energetic, and we are grateful for your support. Your contribution towards these items will make a significant impact on the lives of these young individuals as they transition to independent living. Thank you for your generosity and for considering our cause”.

Sacyr were thrilled to participate once again in the Business Fives Football Tournament with two talented teams, one at the Gol Centre, Cardiff on 26th February and another at Sighthill Powerleague, Edinburgh on Friday 21st February.

This year, Sacyr were proud to support a cause close to their hearts: Cardiff YMCA Housing Association Ltd. This incredible organisation works tirelessly to break the cycle of homelessness and empower individuals to reach their full potential. They provide safe, supported accommodation, and deliver tailored programmes that help people rebuild their lives, gain independence, and thrive. Their commitment extends to supporting disadvantaged young people through initiatives like youth mentoring, healthy relationships education, and assistance for young carers. By investing in these programmes, they are creating lasting change and fostering stronger, more inclusive communities.

Cardiff City Midfielder David Turnbull attended the event as a guest speaker and presented the awards. The Cardiff event raised an incredible £2,887 for various local and national charities, with a combined total for both events raising over £8,000 to support those who need it most.

Cameron Orr, Business Development Manager for Business Fives said “Thanks for being a part of our Business Fives Cardiff Event, it was great to have the Sacyr team involved and massive well done to your individual award winner’ Connor Top Goal scorer”.

On 23rd January, members of the Sacyr Community Benefits team attended an industry event aimed to bring together organisations within the construction sector along with the skills and training network across Wales. It served as a platform to discuss vital topics such as:

• Funding and grants for staff development and upskilling: How organisations can access financial support to train and develop their workforce, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for current and future demands in construction.
• Overcoming recruitment barriers: Addressing the skills gap in the industry and the challenges faced in attracting and retaining talent, with solutions for making the sector more appealing to a diverse range of job seekers.
• The future landscape of construction: Exploring trends and innovations in construction, including sustainability practices, digitalisation, and the impact of evolving technologies on the industry.
• Mental health and neurodiversity in the workplace: Fostering an inclusive environment that supports mental well-being and neurodiverse individuals, ensuring construction workplaces are welcoming, supportive, and productive for everyone.
• Delivering social value through the supply chain: How businesses can use their supply chains to drive social impact, from promoting local job creation to enhancing community involvement through social initiatives.

Additionally, there were ample opportunities for networking and engaging with various stakeholders providing support in these areas, such as Go Construct, Careers Wales, and representatives from further education institutions. Attendees were able to discuss how to work together to address the skills shortages and align their training strategies with industry needs.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with 170 attendees from the construction sector and related fields coming together. The conference provided a great space to learn from others, share best practices, and gain valuable insight into improving the way businesses approach challenges, streamline operations, and meet key targets. The exchange of ideas and experiences made it clear that collaboration across organisations is key to addressing the pressing challenges of recruitment, training, and development in the industry.

Picture below, from left to right:

Tim Balcon, CEO, CITB

Deborah Madden, Executive Director, CITB

Danny Clarke, Engagement Director, CITB

Katie Hathaway, Stakeholder Engagement and Community Benefits Manager, Sacyr UK

Julia Stevens, Engagement Director Wales, CITB

At the Pierhead building on January 22nd, Sacyr announced their community initiative aimed at supporting individuals accessing their trailblazing community platform in Cardiff and surrounding areas. As part of this initiative, Sacyr collaborated with Mark Wilding at Concept Management to purchase 40 refurbished laptops, in an effort to remove initial barriers to internet access and foster a strong online community.
The laptops will be provided free of charge to community, voluntary, and social organisations, with several already reserved for prominent organisations such as Llamau, Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation, NDEAS (National Diversity Enterprise and Achievement Services), Sunflower Lounge, Medsheds charity, and YMCA.

Samantha Davies at City hospice after receiving their donated laptops said “I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and the team at Sacyr for your generous donation of laptops to support our volunteering department. We truly appreciate your kindness, and these will make a huge difference.”

This collaboration not only supports community organisations in their efforts but also contributes to the circular economy by providing refurbished technology. All involved are excited to see the positive impact this initiative will have on bringing people together and creating a thriving online community in Cardiff.

Sacyr are excited to announce their new apprenticeship vacancies are now live!

There are 6 posts available:

• Business Administration Apprentice - Commercial - 2 Vacancies
• Site Engineer Apprentice
• Surveying / Setting Out Engineer Apprentice
• Community Benefits Admin Apprentice
• Graduate Trainee in Construction Planning

These roles provide a fantastic opportunity to gain exceptional experience on a unique, high profile construction project with an expert team. The apprentices will gain invaluable on-the-job experience whilst working towards a nationally recognised qualification and earning living wage. The opportunities are open to people of any age, background or experience and when employed the apprentices will receive close ongoing support, guidance and pastoral care from our Community Benefits team to ensure they have everything they need to make their experience fully positive and beneficial.

Jo from the CB Team has arranged two Apprenticeship Information Sessions to be held at Whitchurch Hub and Library on Thursday 13th and Thursday 20th March from 1.00pm – 6.00pm. These are drop in sessions where anyone who is interested in learning more about the opportunities can have an informal chat with Jo. No appointments are needed, members of the public can turn up whenever suits them and get all the information they may need to progress and even apply there and then!

At the forefront of the new Velindre Cancer Centre project, Sacyr is proud to have made history with three women leading the way. Maria Ortega Carreras, Elena Castro Blanco, and Belén Lerma Inguanzo hold the key leadership roles of Project Director, Construction Director, and Construction Manager respectively, marking a significant industry first.

To celebrate ‘Women in Construction Week 2025’, Sacyr collaborated with their esteemed supply chain partner ‘SGM Waste Management’ to design a skip showcasing the talent and skills of women on the project and raising awareness of the phenomenal statistics compared to the UK averages.

Sacyr makes history in the construction sector as a standout leader in gender diversity and inclusivity. With a remarkable 30% female workforce on the new Velindre cancer centre project team, they've doubled the UK industry average of 15% female representation in construction. Through their partnership with the Acorn Consortium, including Kajima, abrdn, and the Development Bank of Wales, Sacyr is breaking down barriers and proving that there are no glass ceilings in ‘site’ for women in the construction industry, setting a new standard for gender equality.

We want to inform community residents that our construction team will be working extended hours overnight on Tuesday 11 March 2025 to carry out the necessary power floating of a slab after the concrete pour. In addition, our team will start onsite at 7am in order to minimise disruption and comply with the embargo restrictions on Park Road. We expect minimal disruption and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time. 
 
Thank you for your patience.
 

We want to inform community residents that our construction team will be working extended hours from 6pm to 10pm during the rest of the current and upcoming week (w.e. 7 March and w.c. 10th March) for activities within item 4 of the granted consent s61. 
 
We apologise for the disruption and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

Thank you for your patience.