Laing O’Rourke to deliver Sussex Cancer Centre

Laing O'Rourke will be delivering the new state-of-the-art cancer centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The quarter-of-a-billion-pound investment in healthcare was confirmed today by the Government and New Hospitals Programme to build a new regional Centre of Excellence for cancer care in Brighton & Hove, Sussex.

The new Sussex Cancer Centre will provide safer, more efficient, and better access to cancer care and services for a population of around 2 million and welcome more than 60,000 patients every year. Every aspect of its design has been meticulously considered to prioritise patient experience, care and outcomes.

At every level in the building, patients will encounter modern facilities fit for the 21st century - from high-precision radiotherapy in the basement, up through expanded outpatient clinics, assessment areas and day-unit, to a top-floor ward with stunning sea views.

The project follows the successful delivery of The Louisa Martindale Building, located next door to the cancer centre.

Laing O’Rourke’s Managing Director, Peter Lyons, said: “This is an incredible project and one that I am proud we are a part of. The new cancer centre will transform the experience of care for patients and the work environment for staff.

“At Laing O’Rourke we have a rich history in delivering hospitals, including The Louisa Martindale Building, so we’ll be able to use the power of our experience to improve the safety and efficiency on site, while guaranteeing the quality of product.

“Leveraging digital design and offsite manufacturing, along with our integrated supply chain, we’ll be able to minimise disruption to local residents.”

Dr Sarah Westwell, consultant clinical oncologist and Chief of Service for Cancer, said: “For our patients and all the staff I’ve worked alongside for years, this is a watershed moment that finally brings our facilities in line with the world-class care we strive to deliver every day.

“Our new Sussex Cancer Centre will offer privacy, dignity, and hope to our patients, and as doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians and researchers, we’re all thrilled to be able to help craft a new clinical home where medical excellence, outstanding care and leading research can be woven into every step of our patient’s journey.”

Purposed-designed

• Clinical excellence: The centre will act as a regional hub of expertise, significantly boosting capacity. Crucially, the development includes a dedicated Oncology Acute Assessment area, a specialist facility expected to prevent more than 1,000 vulnerable cancer patients each year from having to attend the general A&E department, ensuring they receive expert care in the right place while also reducing wider hospital pressures.
• Enhanced patient experience: The centre’s different levels are designed as a cohesive healing environment. From welcoming outpatient departments to high-tech chemotherapy treatment areas flooded with natural light, every space prioritises dignity. By replacing cramped, disjointed facilities with modern layouts, the design creates a sanctuary that supports patients and their families through every stage of their journey.
• Integrated research and innovation: Dedicated research and innovation spaces are woven into the fabric of the building to ensure every patient and staff member has an opportunity to participate in life-saving clinical trials or benefit from new AI and other technologies. The new Sussex Cancer Centre is designed to ensure the latest global breakthroughs can happen locally too and benefit patients in Sussex.
• New public realm: A new landscaped garden and 'green lung’ will be created between the Louisa Martindale Building (Stage 1 of the 3Ts Redevelopment) and the new Sussex Cancer Centre (Stage 2). With extensive planting, shrubs and trees, it will provide a peaceful sanctuary for patients, families, and staff, that connects the two developments into a unified, modern healthcare campus.