Further survey work is now underway at the future Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital site, marking another important step forward as the project continues its journey towards construction.
Specialist teams have been appointed to carry out a series of detailed ground investigations, helping the project team to better understand the conditions beneath the site before building begins. This early testing is designed to reduce risk, challenge assumptions and ensure the foundations are designed appropriately for the site.
“This survey work is an exciting milestone for the project. It gives us the detailed information we need to finalise design decisions, reduce risk and move forward with confidence. Seeing this activity happen on site is a sign that we are getting closer to construction and one step nearer to delivering the new hospital for patients.”
Matt Allen, Director of New Hospital Construction at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The work includes several complementary surveys. An above‑ground ground‑penetrating radar (GPR) survey is being carried out using specialist equipment. The system sends signals into the ground and detects reflected data, allowing engineers to identify buried services, structures or variations in the ground without the need to dig. This information is vital for planning safe and efficient construction and avoiding unexpected issues later in the build.
In addition, borehole surveys are taking place using a small drilling rig to extract samples from below the surface. The tests provide critical information about ground conditions, soil make‑up and the depth of the water table, all of which influence how the building is designed and constructed.
The project is also carrying out ground bearing testing, where a large digger applies pressure to the ground using a heavy plate. This tells engineers how much weight the ground can safely support and helps determine the type of foundations and piles that will be used for the hospital.
Together, this work will allow the project team to refine building designs early, reduce uncertainty and ensure the best possible outcomes once construction begins.
The Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital will be a world‑leading specialist cancer hospital on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, bringing together NHS cancer services and cutting-edge research under one roof. Designed in partnership with patients, families and staff, the hospital will transform how cancer is diagnosed and treated across the East of England – detecting cancer earlier, delivering more personalised care and improving outcomes for patients across the region.
Construction is due to start in 2027, and in the meantime the project remains focused on submitting its Full Business Case at the end of the year. Work is also continuing to develop clinical pathways with staff from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge, as well as with patients, to improve patient outcomes in the short and long term.