New £12m NHS cancer centre in Gloucestershire achieves major planning milestone

A new state-of-the-art cancer centre at Cheltenham General Hospital has reached a significant milestone after securing planning approval from Cheltenham Borough Council. This approval brings the project one step closer to realising a modern facility designed to enhance cancer care for patients across Gloucestershire and beyond.

The centre, with an estimated cost of £12 million, will feature advanced clinical and treatment spaces, digital consultation facilities, a dedicated support centre for patients and their loved ones, along with tranquil therapeutic gardens. These elements aim to provide both cutting-edge medical care and a supportive environment.

To date, more than 10,000 donors have contributed to the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity’s Big Space Cancer Appeal, raising over £9.8 million towards the development of the new centre.

Kevin McNamara, chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the progress: “Achieving planning approval marks a key step forward in delivering a state-of-the-art centre that will advance cancer services for our patients.”

He added that over a thousand patients, carers, and members of the public were consulted prior to submission to ensure the plans truly reflect community needs. The design process notably involved the Trust’s clinical teams, who helped create a space tailored to patient care requirements.

Alongside the construction of the new centre, improvements will be made to existing oncology facilities in a second phase of the project.

A local supporter of the appeal, who wished to remain unnamed, shared their personal experience: diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, they praised the NHS teams for their compassionate care and treatment leading to a cancer-free outcome later that year. However, they noted the current consultation rooms were small and dim, lacking space for both patient and clinician. “I want those who cared for me to have a modern, bright, and spacious environment,” they said, emphasising the importance of supporting NHS clinicians as they support patients.

Fundraising efforts continue to gather momentum with community events such as the Lions at Large sculpture trail, which raised £370,000 last year, the upcoming Run Cheltenham race involving over 180 runners, and a planned international challenge hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Richard Smith, associate director at Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity, highlighted the urgent need for such facilities: “One in two people will be affected by cancer in their lifetime, and 5,000 individuals from our area begin treatment each year. We are grateful to the community’s incredible support that has brought us closer to transforming cancer care for patients and NHS teams alike. Every donation, from events to gifts in wills, is vital to making this centre a reality.”

Those wishing to support The Big Space Cancer Appeal can find more information and donate via the charity’s website.